Pakistan Turns To Saudi Arabia To Train Diplomatic Protection Force, Move Exposes Internal Gaps

Last Updated:May 28, 2026, 13:23 IST

Pakistan’s decision to send personnel from its Federal Constabulary Special Diplomatic Protection Unit to Saudi Arabia for training has exposed gaps in its internal security.

Pakistan’s decision to send personnel from its Special Diplomatic Protection Unit to Saudi Arabia for training has exposed serious gaps in the country’s internal security infrastructure, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18.

The development emerged after Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud, following which both sides agreed that 200 personnel from Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary (FC) Special Diplomatic Protection Unit would receive training in Saudi Arabia.

According to top intelligence sources, the move has raised fresh concerns over Pakistan’s capability to independently secure foreign diplomatic missions operating inside the country.

CNN-News18 has learnt from intelligence sources that relying on external countries for what was described as “basic capacity building" reflects the current condition of Pakistan’s diplomatic security setup.

Sources claimed that the development highlights Pakistan’s dependence on foreign partners for strengthening even specialised internal security functions.

The assessment further stated that the move exposes strategic and operational gaps in Pakistan’s ability to secure high-profile foreign missions and dignitaries.

The Special Diplomatic Protection Unit is tasked with securing foreign missions and protecting sensitive diplomatic establishments in Pakistan.

However, according to intelligence sources, sending the unit abroad for training reveals shortcomings in Pakistan’s own training ecosystem.

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the decision to outsource the training of the Federal Constabulary’s diplomatic security personnel demonstrates Pakistan’s inability to independently develop specialised tactical capabilities.

The intelligence assessment further noted that the decision reflects major deficiencies in Pakistan’s internal training infrastructure and the absence of advanced specialised tactical schools capable of preparing personnel for evolving diplomatic security challenges.

Sources described the move as an indication that Pakistan’s domestic security forces are facing “deep structural and operational deficiencies".

According to the assessment shared with CNN-News18, the arrangement also amounts to an admission that Pakistan’s local training systems are inadequate to deal with contemporary asymmetric and urban threats targeting diplomatic missions.

Intelligence sources described the development as symbolic of Pakistan’s declining internal security preparedness, remarking that the country had effectively gone from net security provider to trainee.

Sources alleged that Pakistan’s military establishment has increasingly become occupied with political affairs, commercial interests and hybrid warfare activities, impacting its core professional capabilities.

The intelligence assessment also suggested that the agreement with Saudi Arabia was aimed as much at preserving Islamabad’s strategic defence ties with Riyadh as addressing tactical requirements on the ground.

Sources also pointed to the role played by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in finalising the arrangement, questioning why the agreement was not handled by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to intelligence sources, the development underlines Naqvi’s increasing influence within Pakistan’s power structure and security establishment.

The agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is expected to intensify scrutiny over Islamabad’s domestic security capabilities, especially concerning the protection of foreign missions and diplomatic personnel within the country.

News world Pakistan Turns To Saudi Arabia To Train Diplomatic Protection Force, Move Exposes Internal Gaps

Read More