Pak-Saudi Defence Pact: Jubilation in Saudi Arab 95th National Day

I will never forget those days in city of Abha and Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arab when two celebrations seemed to merge into one. On the one hand, the Kingdom was already alive with the green lights and flags of Saudi National Day. On the other, news broke that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had signed a historic defense pact. The timing was perfect, like a gift of destiny, and the streets of the Asir region in particular and entire Saudi Arab in general turned into a stage of joy, pride, and brotherhood.

95 National Day in a New Spirit

Saudi National Day has always been special in Abha. Families pour into the parks, young men drive around waving flags from their cars, and the mountains echo with fireworks. But this year, with the pact fresh in people’s minds, the celebrations carried a new depth. I saw children carrying not just Saudi flags but also small Pakistani ones. In Khamis Mushait, I stood at King Khalid Road and watched a group of teenagers dance in traditional dresses while chanting slogans of unity, ending with “Pakistan Saudi, wahid, wahid!” (one, one). It felt as though the spirit of independence had been renewed Saudi pride intertwined with gratitude for Pakistani solidarity.

Mosques Filled With Prayers of Gratitude

Friday prayers in Abha’s grand mosque were unforgettable. The Imam, after reminding worshippers of the blessings of independence, spoke about the new pact as a sign of Allah’s mercy, two great Muslim nations joining hands for peace and defence. When the prayer ended, I saw men embracing each other with tears in their eyes. One elderly man whispered to me: “On our National Day, Allah gave us the gift of stronger brothers.” Hearing this in a mosque, on a day of remembrance, was powerful beyond words.

Voices of the People

In Khamis Mushait’s bustling souqs, I spoke to ordinary Saudis who could not hide their excitement. A shopkeeper decorating his stall with green ribbons told me, “This National Day is different. We are not just celebrating our past independence, but our future security. Pakistan is with us.” Another young man, waving both flags from his car, shouted proudly “Our independence means more when brothers stand by our side. This is the true spirit of Ummah.” Even in casual conversations at cafes, in taxis, in marketplaces, the pact was mentioned again and again. It was clear to me: for the people of Abha and Khamis Mushait, this was not just politics; it was personal.

Celebration in the Hills

Asir’s mountains (Al Habla and Sooda Valley) are known for their cool breezes and festive nights. On the eve of National Day, I stood on the terrace of a house overlooking Abha. The skyline was glowing with green lights, and suddenly, a neighbour began playing patriotic songs. Children shouted “Pakistan zindabad” alongside “Saudi Arabia zindabad” It was spontaneous, and it captured the mood of the entire region, jubilation born from both patriotism and brotherhood.

In Khamis Mushait, a city in Saudi Arabia, fireworks lit up the night sky. I watched families cheering and clapping, some holding up posters with Saudi and Pakistani soldiers saluting side by side. It felt less like two nations and more like one family celebrating its independence together. The Bigger Meaning being there, I realized the pact was not just a diplomatic signature, it was woven into the soul of Saudi National Day itself. It gave Saudis a sense that their independence was not only about the past struggles of their forefathers but also about the future, where brothers like Pakistan stand beside them. For me, as a Pakistani, it was emotional beyond words. I had seen Saudis celebrate their independence many times, but this time they welcomed us into it. They celebrated as if Pakistan’s strength was their own, and their joy became our pride.

Conclusion

I can testify as an eyewitness: in Saudi Arabia, the jubilation after the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact merged seamlessly with the spirit of Saudi National Day. Streets, mosques, and homes carried a double celebration of freedom and of brotherhood. It was a reminder that independence is not only about borders, but about bonds. And on that National Day, in the cool air of the Asir mountains, I saw with my own eyes how the hearts of Arabs and Pakistanis beat as one.