Islamabad, October 10, 2025 — The federal cabinet on Thursday formally ratified the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and regional security cooperation.
During the meeting, cabinet members also paid tribute to the leadership of both nations for their continued commitment to strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the session, briefed the cabinet in detail about his recent official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Nations General Assembly, and Malaysia. These visits, he noted, were aimed at reinforcing diplomatic relations, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration on defense and security matters.
In addition to the defence pact, the cabinet approved several key initiatives. On the recommendation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the cabinet sanctioned the donation of 15 unflyable aircraft — 8 Cessna and 7 Fletcher — from the Department of Plant Protection to various educational, commemorative, and exhibition institutions. The remaining four flyable Beaver aircraft will continue to support the Department’s locust control operations. This decision comes after earlier attempts to auction these aircraft were unsuccessful.
Furthermore, the cabinet, following the Ministry of Water Resources’ recommendation, gave in-principle approval for the enactment of the WAPDA Security Force Act, 2025, to establish a dedicated force for safeguarding critical dams and hydropower projects managed by WAPDA.
The cabinet also ratified decisions made during the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting on October 2, 2025, as well as resolutions from the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases held on September 22, 2025. However, the Special Cabinet Committee will further review proposed amendments to the Alternate Medicines and Health Products Enlistment Rules 2014.
These decisions underscore the cabinet’s focus on strengthening national security, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting strategic partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, in key areas of defense, energy, and agriculture.