Pakistan pauses $1. 5B Sudan arms deal after Saudi pushback

Pakistan has halted a planned $1. 5 billion sale of weapons and fighter jets to Sudan, following a request from Saudi Arabia to end the agreement. The move comes after Riyadh refused to fund the purchase, according to two Pakistani security officials and a diplomatic source. Sudan has been in turmoil for the past three years, with its army battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and attracted competing foreign interests that threaten to fragment the country, which is rich in gold. The arms deal was reportedly close to finalization in January and had been facilitated by Saudi Arabia, though no financing from Riyadh was confirmed at that time. It was one of several defence contracts the Pakistani military pursued after its aircraft and systems drew attention during clashes with India in May of last year.Saudi Arabia is a key ally of Pakistan, offering crucial loans and economic support. The two nations signed a mutual defence pact last year, treating an attack on one as an attack on both. This relationship deepened when Saudi Arabia signalled it would not finance the Sudan deal, urging Islamabad to cancel it. Saudi officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Sudan’s armed forces likewise remained silent. The Pakistani military also did not confirm the deal was underway. Western governments had cautioned Riyadh against involvement in African proxy wars, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have supported opposing factions in several regional conflicts. While both Saudi and UAE claim to favour diplomatic solutions, the Saudis back Sudan’s army and the UAE has faced accusations of aiding the RSF, which it denies. A March meeting in Riyadh between Sudanese army leaders and Saudi officials reportedly led to the termination of Saudi financing. A separate $4 billion agreement with Libya’s National Army is also at risk as Saudis reassess their strategies in both countries.