Financing Withdrawal Halts Defence Agreement
Pakistan has suspended a planned $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan after Saudi Arabia withdrew financial backing and urged Islamabad to terminate the deal, according to security and diplomatic sources. Initially, negotiations had reached advanced stages earlier this year, with Saudi Arabia reportedly playing a key mediating role.
However, the situation shifted when Riyadh decided not to fund the purchase. Consequently, Pakistani authorities moved to put the agreement on hold. One security source stated that Saudi officials clearly signaled their preference for ending the deal following the financing withdrawal.The requests for comment, Saudi officials, Sudan’s armed forces, and Pakistan’s military did not immediately respond.
Notably, Pakistan had been exploring multiple defence exports after its military equipment gained attention during tensions with India last year. Therefore, the halted deal represents a significant setback in Islamabad’s broader defence sales efforts.
Regional Rivalries and Conflict Shape Decision
Meanwhile, Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has intensified foreign involvement. The war, now entering its third year, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and raised fears of state fragmentation.
At the same time, geopolitical rivalries have influenced decisions surrounding the deal. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continue to support opposing sides in regional conflicts, including Sudan. While Riyadh backs Sudan’s army, the UAE has faced allegations of assisting the RSF, which it denies.
Furthermore, a March meeting in Riyadh between Sudanese military leaders and Saudi officials reportedly led to the financing withdrawal. Western countries had also advised Saudi Arabia to avoid deeper involvement in African proxy conflicts, shaping the final outcome.
