Saudi pressure: Pakistan suspends $1,5 billion arms deal with Sudan

Pakistan has suspended a major $1,5 billion arms deal with Sudan following objections from Saudi Arabia. According to several security and diplomatic sources, Riyadh requested the deal be halted, stating that it would not finance the sale.

The agreement stipulated the supply of weapons and aircraft to Sudan, a country mired in an internal conflict between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This war, which has lasted for nearly three years, has triggered a major humanitarian crisis and attracted the attention of foreign powers with conflicting interests.

According to available information, this contract was part of a series of arms sales negotiated by the Pakistani army, amid a buildup of its military equipment following recent tensions with India. The agreement with Khartoum had reportedly been in its final stages for several months.

Saudi Arabia, which maintains close relations with Pakistan, plays a key role in this decision. As Islamabad's main financial backer, Riyadh has provided crucial loans and aid to the Pakistani economy, thereby strengthening its influence over certain strategic decisions.

Relations between the two countries have intensified further since the signing of a mutual defense pact last year, stipulating that an attack against one would be considered an attack against the other. This alliance strengthens coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on security matters.

The suspension of this agreement illustrates the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Sudanese conflict, which has become an arena of influence for several regional actors. It also underscores the weight of diplomatic and economic considerations in decisions related to the arms trade.