Saudi Arabia awards Pakistan’s powerful army chief highest national honour after defence pact

In this photo released by the Inter Services Public Relations, Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir speaks during a ceremony at the joint military command headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Inter Services Public Relations via AP)

ISLAMABAD — Saudi Arabia has awarded its highest national honour to Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visit to Riyadh, Pakistan’s military said Monday, underscoring deepening ties between the two countries, including cooperation on counterterrorism.

Munir received the King Abdulaziz Medal of the Excellent Class on Sunday, months after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a defense pact with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighting the longstanding strategic relationship between the two countries.

In September, Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said his nation’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the countries’ new defense pact.

Munir’s visit to Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries is his first since his promotion to Pakistan’s newly created post of chief of defense forces, aimed at improving coordination among the army, navy, and air force.

Saudi Arabia has maintained close economic, religious, and security ties with Pakistan for decades.

Munir rose to prominence earlier this year after Pakistan said it repelled India in a four-day border conflict. The nuclear-armed rivals exchanged tit-for-tat strikes in May following an Indian operation targeting militants inside Pakistan, which New Delhi accused of involvement in the killing of 26 tourists in India-controlled Kashmir.

The confrontation eased after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.

In a statement, Pakistan’s military said the conferring of the award upon Munir “underscores the depth of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to strengthen further strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace.”

It said the honour recognizes Munir’s military service, leadership and efforts in advancing defense cooperation, strategic coordination and institutional links between the two nations.

During meetings with Saudi officials on Sunday, the two sides discussed regional security, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration and evolving geopolitical challenges, the military said. Both countries reaffirmed their “deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations.”

Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook, the statement said. Munir expressed gratitude for the honour, calling it a reflection of the enduring ties between the two nations, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the kingdom’s security, stability and prosperity.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained defense ties for decades, partly based on Islamabad’s stated willingness to help protect the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina. The Kingdom has also financially helped Pakistan to overcome default on the payments of foreign debts.

Munir Ahmed, The Associated Press