The story so far: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact. The agreement formalises decades of informal military cooperation. Its timing, coming days after Israel’s bombing of Qatar and amid doubts over U.S. security guarantees to the Gulf monarchies, signals a shifting regional order. With Israel’s war in Gaza, Iran-backed Houthis flexing their military power, and America’s retrenchment, Saudi Arabia is hedging its bets — and Pakistan, strapped for cash but rich in military manpower, is seizing the chance to present itself as a security provider.

Also Read | The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy

What are the terms of the agreement?

The official text released in Riyadh and Islamabad declares that “any aggression against either country shall be c

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