23/12/2025
Saudi Arabia Awards Pakistan Army Chief Highest National Honor
Riyadh, December 21, 2025 — Saudi Arabia has awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recognizing his role in strengthening bilateral defense ties.
The medal was presented by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at a ceremony in Riyadh, following a royal decree issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
> “Upon the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance our cooperation and advance Saudi-Pakistani relations,” Prince Khalid said during the ceremony.
Background
- The award came three months after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a defense pact with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in September 2025, formalizing expanded cooperation on defense and counterterrorism.
- Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif had earlier stated that Pakistan’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if required under the pact.
- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have maintained close economic, religious, and security ties for decades, with Riyadh providing billions in financial support to Islamabad during economic crises.
The King Abdulaziz Medal is Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian and military honor, awarded to individuals who render exceptional service to the kingdom. Field Marshal Munir is the first Pakistani Chief of Defence Forces to receive the medal.