Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Strategic Mutual Defense Pact, No Public Holiday Declared

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalized a defense treaty named the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). The pact establishes that any aggression against one party will be treated as aggression against the other.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh. The deal enhances joint defense cooperation and signals a stronger regional security partnership.

Despite social media posts claiming that Pakistan has declared a Day of Gratitude or public holiday tomorrow in honor of this agreement, there is no evidence that the government has issued any official holiday notification. Government offices and schools are expected to operate normally.

The SMDA reflects decades of shared strategic interests. Military cooperation, defense coordination, and joint deterrence were core parts of the discussions. The agreement also underscores the countries’ commitment to regional stability.

Analysts say this pact may shift security dynamics in the region, especially given current geopolitical tension. Still, for the public, life remains unchanged in terms of work, education, and business.

No Public Holiday on September 19

The Pakistani government has not declared a public holiday for Friday, September 19, 2025. This was confirmed by checking official notices and holiday lists.

Many social media posts and messages claimed that September 19 would be a day off across Pakistan. These claims named various reasons, but no valid governmental notification supports them.

People are advised to treat the day as a normal working day. Schools, government offices, banks, and other public institutions will remain open, unless local authorities issue separate orders.

Authorities urge the public to rely on official sources, such as government press releases or cabinet notifications. Rumours can spread quickly on social media without verification.