Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Boost Security Training Cooperation

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to expand security cooperation, with 200 personnel from the Federal Constabulary’s Special Diplomatic Protection Unit set to receive training in the kingdom. The decision was reported on Thursday after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud, in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

The meeting took place during Eidul Azha and Haj-related engagements, giving both sides an opportunity to discuss bilateral ties as well as internal security coordination. According to Pakistan’s interior ministry, the two ministers exchanged Eid greetings before moving into a detailed discussion on cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to send selected personnel of the Federal Constabulary’s diplomatic protection wing for specialised training in Saudi Arabia. The unit is responsible for sensitive security duties, particularly around diplomatic facilities, foreign missions and high-profile official environments where trained personnel and disciplined response protocols are essential.

The interior ministry said the two sides reviewed matters linked to internal security and broader bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia’s interior minister also congratulated Mohsin Naqvi on performing Haj, while both officials underlined the importance of continued coordination between the two countries at a time of heightened regional tensions.

Officials indicated that the training arrangement is intended to strengthen the professional capacity of Pakistani security personnel. Exposure to Saudi security systems, crowd management practices and protection procedures could help improve operational standards for units deployed in sensitive zones inside Pakistan.

The development comes as Pakistan continues to place greater emphasis on specialised policing and protective security. Diplomatic protection has become increasingly important because embassies, consulates, foreign delegations and international organisations require strong security support in major cities, particularly Islamabad and other diplomatic hubs.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close defence, security and political ties. Cooperation between the two countries has historically covered training, strategic consultation, counterterrorism coordination and institutional exchanges, with both governments often describing the relationship as rooted in mutual trust and shared regional interests.

The meeting also touched on recent developments in the region. The Saudi side praised Pakistan’s constructive role in reducing tensions, according to the ministry, a reference that comes amid wider instability in the Middle East and Islamabad’s active diplomatic messaging on regional de-escalation.

For Pakistan, the arrangement is likely to be presented as both a security upgrade and a sign of continued confidence between two close partners. The next step will be the finalisation of training schedules, selection of personnel and coordination between relevant authorities so the Federal Constabulary unit can begin its programme in Saudi Arabia.