RIYADH / ISLAMABAD — In a powerful testament to the deepening strategic and military alliance between Riyadh and Islamabad, Saudi Arabia has officially conferred its highest civilian award, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, upon Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The award was presented on Monday by the Saudi Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Recognition of Leadership and Strategic Ties

The prestigious decoration was authorized via a Royal Decree, acknowledging Field Marshal Munir’s “distinguished military service” and his pivotal role in expanding institutional linkages between the two nations.

During the ceremony in Riyadh, Prince Khalid bin Salman praised Munir’s professional capabilities and his “strategic outlook,” which has been instrumental in the recent signing of the Landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between the two countries in September 2025.

“This honour recognizes the central role played by Field Marshal Munir in advancing defence cooperation and his contributions toward regional peace and stability,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in an official statement.

Strengthening “Brotherly Relations”

Accepting the award, Field Marshal Munir expressed his profound gratitude to the Saudi leadership. He described the medal not just as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the “enduring and unbreakable bonds” between the people of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During his visit, Munir held high-level discussions with the Saudi military leadership to review:

• Regional Security Dynamics: Addressing emerging threats in the Middle East and South Asia.

• Strategic Collaboration: Streamlining joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.

• Defence Pact Implementation: Operationalizing the “aggression against one is aggression against both” clause of the 2025 mutual defence treaty.

Context of the Visit

This visit comes at a time of heightened regional geopolitical shifts. Field Marshal Munir—who was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in May 2025 following a military confrontation with India—has increasingly focused on a “Pakistan First” foreign policy, seeking to position Pakistan as a “regional middle power” while maintaining deep-rooted security ties with the Gulf.

The conferment also follows Munir’s recent viral remarks at the National Ulema Conference, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as the “protector of the Haramain Sharifain” (the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina).

Quick Facts:

• Award Name: King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence (Excellent Class)

• Presented By: Prince Khalid bin Salman (Defence Minister)

• Recipient Rank: Field Marshal (Promoted May 2025)

• Key Context: Follows the 2025 Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.