Saudi Arabia has conferred one of its highest civilian honours on Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening defence and strategic ties between the two brotherly nations.
According to a statement issued by the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal (Excellent Class) to Field Marshal Munir for his outstanding role in deepening military cooperation and enhancing the long-standing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh. The award acknowledges his “distinguished efforts” in promoting bilateral defence collaboration and mutual security interests.
The honour was presented during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, where Prince Khalid hosted Field Marshal Munir and personally congratulated him on assuming the role of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces. The Saudi defence minister extended his best wishes, expressing confidence in Munir’s leadership at a time of evolving regional and global security challenges.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on the historic and close relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The talks focused on expanding defence cooperation, strengthening joint security frameworks, enhancing military-to-military engagement, and coordinating efforts aimed at maintaining regional stability and promoting international peace.
The King Abdulaziz Medal was awarded on the direct instructions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, highlighting the importance Saudi Arabia places on its defence relationship with Pakistan. The medal is among the Kingdom’s most prestigious civilian honours and is presented in five categories: Excellent, First, Second, Third, and Fourth classes.
In recent visits of Field Marshal Asim Munir Saudi Crown Prince and COAS Asim Munir discussed bilateral ties.
Traditionally, the award is reserved for individuals who have rendered exceptional services to Saudi Arabia or made significant contributions to advancing the Kingdom’s strategic, diplomatic, or institutional interests.
