Pakistan, Saudi Arabia deepen security ties with new police training pact

In a major step to strengthen bilateral security cooperation, Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif have agreed to launch a police and paramilitary forces training-exchange programme. The agreement, reached during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, marks a new phase in institutional collaboration between the two interior ministries. 

During the meeting, which was attended by senior officials from both countries, Prince Abdulaziz also extended condolences over the recent attack on the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar, acknowledging the sacrifice of the killed personnel. 

A key outcome of the talks was a commitment to deepen cooperation in information sharing, capacity building, and coordinated responses to emerging security threats, especially in the context of terrorism and cross-border challenges. 

Importantly, the two sides reviewed the ongoing issue regarding the legal status of Rohingya Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia. Prince Abdulaziz expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support on this sensitive matter. A new decision will be taken soon under a formal agreement. 

Reflecting on the meeting, Naqvi described Saudi Arabia as “a second home for every Pakistani,” underscoring the countries’ “longstanding partnership and brotherly ties.” 

As a follow-up measure, it was agreed that the next session of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Interior Ministries Working Group will convene next month to review progress and finalize implementation plans for the new initiatives. 

The agreement follows broader efforts by both countries to strengthen strategic security cooperation and reflects Pakistan’s desire to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s advanced public-security infrastructure and experience in counterterrorism and law enforcement.