Pakistan Suspends $1.5 Billion Arms Deal with Sudan After Saudi Concerns

Lahore: Pakistan has postponed a $1.5 billion deal to sell fighter jets and weapons to Sudan following concerns raised by Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Reuters.

Sources familiar with the matter said the agreement was put on hold after Saudi Arabia requested its cancellation and withdrew plans to provide financial support for the purchase. Two Pakistani security officials and a diplomatic source confirmed that the deal has been suspended under these circumstances.

Sudan has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict between its military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises over the past three years. The conflict has also drawn increasing foreign interest, raising concerns about the stability of the strategically important Red Sea nation.

Reuters had earlier reported in January that the deal was nearing completion, with Saudi Arabia playing a mediating role at the time, although its financial involvement had not been publicly disclosed.

The suspended agreement was part of several defense deals under discussion by Pakistan, particularly after heightened attention on its military capabilities following clashes with India last year. Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s closest allies and a key source of financial assistance for Islamabad’s economy.

A security source stated that Saudi Arabia signaled Pakistan to cancel the agreement after deciding not to fund it. Neither Saudi authorities, the Sudanese military, nor Pakistan’s armed forces immediately responded to requests for comment.

Sources further revealed that some Western countries had advised Riyadh to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts in Africa. While both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates advocate diplomatic solutions, they have been linked to supporting opposing sides in Sudan’s conflict. Saudi Arabia is seen as backing the Sudanese army, while the UAE has been accused of providing logistical support to the RSF—an allegation it denies.

Following meetings between Sudanese military leaders and Saudi officials in Riyadh in March, funding for the deal was reportedly withdrawn. Another potential $4 billion agreement with Libyan National Army is also said to be at risk as Saudi Arabia reassesses its regional strategy.