ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating the Saudi National Day today, Tuesday, with greater zeal after both countries signed a landmark defense agreement this month, official said, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening their brotherly ties and expanding cooperation across every sphere.

The Saudi National Day is celebrated each year on September 23 to commemorate the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. This year, it comes days after Pakistan and the Kingdom signed a ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement.’

Under the pact signed in Riyadh, aggression against one country would be treated as an attack on both. The deal, sealed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to the Kingdom this month, is meant to enhance joint deterrence and deepen decades of military and security cooperation.

To mark the Saudi National Day, Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been decorated with Saudi flags and pictures of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with buildings adorned with green lights symbolizing the color of the Saudi flag.

“Every single time, whether it was economic hardship, or if there was any kind of defense-related situation, we always found the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] by our side and every single time, any issue, if Saudi [Arabia] needed support of Pakistan on any issue, whether it be foreign policy or any other issue, we have been by their side,” Musadik Malik, Pakistan’s climate change minister who is also the focal person for Pakistan-Saudi Arabia bilateral collaboration, told Arab News, explaining the depth of their bilateral ties.

“This formalization [of a defense agreement] has created a new zeal among the people of Pakistan and also the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So, I think, you would see the same things, all those things that have been happening forever, but with a greater zeal.”

This is the first time Pakistan will hold the Saudi National Day ceremony at the spacious Convention Center building in Islamabad on Tuesday evening, which is likely to be attended by top Pakistani government functionaries, officials of the Saudi embassy and other dignitaries.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Sharif issued their special congratulatory messages for the occasion.

“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of their National Day,” Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This day is a reminder of how, in a relatively short span of time, Saudi Arabia has set remarkable examples of progress and stability under its wise and determined leadership.”

The bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is rooted in trust, devotion and brotherhood, according to the president.

“For the people of Pakistan, our spiritual connection with the Kingdom is deepened by the presence of Islam’s two holiest sites— the Holy Ka’aba and the Masjid-e-Nabwi. This sacred link lends an enduring strength and uniqueness to our friendship,” he said.

“We take pride in the fact that in recent days our ties have reached new milestones. The fresh partnership forged in the fields of defense and security is not only a reflection of our mutual trust but also a vital step toward peace and stability in the region.”

In his message on the Saudi National Day, PM Sharif extended his warmest congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed and the people of Saudi Arabia for the exceptional development journey of the Kingdom.

“Millions of Pakistanis consider Saudi Arabia their second home, and are actively involved in its construction and development. The services of Pakistani brotherhood in Saudi Arabia are the cause of cordial relations, prosperity and progress between the two brotherly countries,” he said.

“Today, on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, I reiterate my resolve on behalf of Pakistan that we are determined to further strengthen this long-lasting partnership. May Allah Almighty always bless the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with progress and glory.”

ISLAMABAD: Leaders from Pakistan, Arab Gulf nations and other Muslim states met on Monday in New York to ponder a unified approach on key regional and global issues at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Pakistani foreign office said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the Pakistan delegation to New York as the General Assembly High-level Week 2025 kicked off on Monday, with global leaders in attendance and Tuesday, Sept. 23 set to be the first day of the high-level General Debate at the 80th session.

On Monday, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, represented Pakistan in consultations hosted by Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in New York, which also included deputy prime ministers of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia and Turkiye.

Dar underscored that the people of Pakistan had great affinity for their Muslim brethren in the Middle East and would support all constructive endeavours aimed at fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.

“The ministers exchanged views and coordinated positions for unified approach on some of the key issues at the UN General Assembly session,” the Pakistani foreign office said.

The UNGA session comes in the backdrop of Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza and the recent strikes against Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital of Doha, which raised fears of a wider military conflict in an already volatile region and drew condemnations from the Muslim world.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

From Sept. 23 till Sept. 29, the session will feature speeches from presidents, prime ministers and monarchs who will deliver national statements, set out visions for peace, development, human rights and collective action at the iconic green marble podium.

Pakistan PM Sharif as well as various world leaders will also take part in the “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” which will be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

In a statement on Sunday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Sharif will urge the international community to resolve the crises in Palestine and disputed Kashmir territory and grant the people there the right to self-determination. The Pakistani prime minister will call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians.

“He will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation as well as other issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development,” the statement said.

“The prime minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President [Donald] Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.”

Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and senior UN officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry. He will also underline Pakistan’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote global prosperity in Pakistan’s current role as a member of the Security Council.