The Politics of Mutual Dependence: Strategic and Economic Dimensions of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Relations (2001-2025)

Abstract

In terms of the foreign policy of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries. But despite that the academic research on relations with Saudi Arabia is scanty. This paper is an attempt to fill that research gap. The Pakistan-Saudi relations are traditionally depicted merely as a religiously bonded relationship, but this study shows the interactions between the two involve much more same as in the transactional mode characterized by strategic partnership and the economic inter-dependence. This article examines the gradual evolution of Pakistan’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia from 2001 to 2025. It addresses two fundamental questions: What has Pakistan provided to Saudi Arabia in return for its consistent financial and political support? And how has Saudi Arabia relied on Pakistan for military cooperation and diplomatic alignment on key regional and global issues?  The article employs qualitative research design using secondary sources, mainly policy documents, news reports, and scholarly journals. Using the international relations theory of ‘interdependence’, this study demonstrates—through empirical evidence—that the Saudi-Pakistan relationship is not a unilateral patron-client relationship, but rather one of mutual benefit and strategic interdependence. Pakistan depends on Saudi Arabia for vital economic support, including oil imports, financial aid, direct investments, and remittances from its expatriate workforce in the Kingdom. Conversely, Saudi Arabia gains significantly from Pakistan's military cooperation, security expertise, and human resource contributions, which bolster its regional influence and strategic depth. This reciprocal relationship highlights how both states derive tangible benefits, reinforcing the notion that interdependence, rather than asymmetrical dependency, defines their bilateral engagement.