ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the historical trajectory of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations from 1947–2018, and focuses on the critical junctures and major events that have impacted and defined this relationship. The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia alliance is structured on three key pillars: religion, economic and defence/military ties. This chapter argues that the religious-homogeneity factor on its own is not sufficient in explaining the persistence and endurance of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia alliance. In contrast, the economic and security aspects have always been critical for this alliance, and are transactional in nature and will remain that way. This chapter develops the argument that the migrant labour needs of Saudi Arabia initiated the alliance and that it was the Kingdom’s defence and security requirements that cemented this partnership for decades. It begins with the turbulent formative days of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship, and addresses the later decades that conclusively transformed this partnership resulting in Pakistani troops being stationed in the Kingdom for the preservation of the House of Saud, as well as defending the Holy Land. In conclusion, it addresses the recent divergence in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic interests on the Yemen intervention and the Qatar crisis. Despite these recent developments, Islamabad remains strongly committed to the Kingdom’s security and defence. Likewise, Riyadh has demonstrated its continued commitment to Pakistan’s stability and economic prosperity.
