Saudi Arabia awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal (Excellent Class) to Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir during his Riyadh visit, signaling closer defense ties following a recent pact between the two countries. The recognition follows a controversial remark by Pakistan’s defense minister that the country’s nuclear program could be made available to Saudi Arabia if required under the agreement. Munir’s visit — his first since becoming Chief of Defense Forces — focused on regional security, military cooperation and deepening strategic collaboration.
Saudi Arabia Bestows Highest Honor On Pakistan Army Chief Amid Deepening Defense 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)
Saudi Arabia has presented its highest national decoration, the King Abdulaziz Medal (Excellent Class), to Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visit to Riyadh, the Pakistan military said Monday. The award underscores strengthening ties between the two countries amid renewed defense cooperation and discussions on regional security.
Munir received the distinction weeks after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a defense agreement that formalizes expanded strategic collaboration. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, stirred international attention in September when he said Pakistan’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the pact.
The visit is Munir’s first trip to Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries since his elevation to Pakistan’s newly created post of Chief of Defense Forces, a role intended to improve coordination among the army, navy and air force. Pakistan’s military statement said the award recognizes Munir’s service, leadership and contributions to advancing defense cooperation and institutional ties between the two nations.
Meetings and Regional Context
During meetings with Saudi officials, the two sides discussed regional security, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration and evolving geopolitical challenges. Both countries reaffirmed their “deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations,” and Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook.
The award and accompanying talks come against a backdrop of longstanding Saudi-Pakistani relations that include economic assistance from Riyadh and Pakistan’s repeated statements of willingness to help protect Islam’s holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The military-to-military relationship has for decades included training, cooperation on counterterrorism and financial support that has helped Pakistan manage fiscal pressures.
Recent Tensions Between India And Pakistan
Munir became more prominent earlier this year after Pakistan said it repelled Indian forces in a four-day border clash. The nuclear-armed neighbors exchanged strikes in May after an Indian operation against militants inside Pakistan; India said the attackers were involved in the killing of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The confrontation eased after U.S. President Donald Trump announced both sides had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.
“The conferring of the award upon Field Marshal Asim Munir underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination to strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace,” the Pakistan military said.
Munir thanked Saudi leaders for the honor and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the kingdom. The visit is likely to further cement defense ties and shape cooperation on regional security matters in the months ahead.
