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The two countries will set up a Joint Intelligence Committee to oversee national security, counterterrorism, and the mutual protection of key political, military assets.
The defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was signed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 17. (Image: @CMShehbaz/X)
In a major development following the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, Islamabad and Riyadh have decided to establish a joint intelligence mechanism aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation on national security and counterterrorism. According to top security sources, the new arrangement is designed to safeguard the vital interests of both nations while strengthening bilateral defence ties.
As part of this mechanism, a Joint Intelligence Committee will be set up to oversee matters concerning national security, counterterrorism, and the mutual protection of key political, military, and scientific assets. The committee will focus on shielding top officials, commanders, and other sensitive figures from potential threats or attacks. Sources further disclosed that an intelligence hotline will be created between Islamabad and Riyadh to enable smoother, real-time intelligence sharing and communication on a regular basis.
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In addition, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Saudi Arabia’s General Intelligence Presidency, also known as the General Intelligence Directorate (GID), will establish specialised intelligence cells at their respective headquarters to streamline cooperation. The core responsibilities of these cells will include intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and coordinated responses to any security challenges faced by either country.
The joint mechanism will also emphasise capacity building and training. According to sources, joint training programs for intelligence officials will be introduced, alongside systems for intelligence data sharing and advance advisories related to counterterrorism. These steps are expected to enhance the operational readiness of both countries against evolving regional and global threats.
Highlighting the growing depth of strategic partnership, sources confirmed that a high-level Saudi defence delegation will visit Pakistan in October to review the progress on the agreement and further discuss intelligence coordination frameworks. This visit is expected to lay the groundwork for practical implementation of the initiatives outlined in the newly formed committee.
The decision to establish this joint intelligence mechanism comes in the wake of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh last week, where he and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Officials describe the intelligence cooperation as a direct outcome of that accord, reflecting a broader effort to institutionalise Pakistan-Saudi defence relations.
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Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
September 23, 2025, 12:25 IST
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