RAWALPINDI / RIYADH / MANAMA – July 24, 2025 — General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), concluded a series of high-level engagements in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen defense ties and support regional stability.
Focus on Maritime Security
In Rawalpindi, General Mirza met Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi, Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. Talks centered on evolving regional dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia, with a special emphasis on maritime security amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on safeguarding vital sea lanes and expand collaboration in joint training and exercises.
Earlier, Admiral Al Ghuraybi held discussions with Pakistan’s Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in Islamabad. Both navies pledged to diversify their defense ties, highlighting joint initiatives in counterterrorism, anti-trafficking, and regional security.
Strategic Vision
General Mirza’s engagements underscore Pakistan’s proactive approach to strengthening partnerships with key Middle Eastern allies. By prioritizing counterterrorism, intelligence cooperation, and defense diplomacy, Pakistan aims to enhance collective security capabilities and contribute to a stable regional order.
Future Outlook
Analysts see the renewed emphasis on maritime security as a forward-looking strategy. Beyond traditional military exchanges, cooperation may expand into intelligence sharing, defense production, and technology transfer. With sustained high-level contacts and mutual resolve, Pakistan–Saudi defense relations appear set to evolve into a cornerstone of regional security.
