New Delhi, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : Pakistan’s recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the country’s potential entanglement in ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. A report indicates that due to these defense commitments, Pakistan may find itself drawn into the escalating tensions between Riyadh and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Initially perceived as a strategic win for Islamabad, the deal saw Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir present during its signing in Riyadh last September alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under the terms of the agreement, Saudi Arabia is set to invest billions in Pakistan and provide loans, while Pakistan is tasked with training the Saudi military and offering defense in case of an attack.
The report highlights that Pakistan had anticipated an improvement in relations between the U.S. and Iran, believing that conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf region would subside. However, the situation shifted dramatically following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which prompted missile attacks on Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.
The fragile ceasefire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has since collapsed, reigniting clashes as the Houthis seized territory in Yemen and launched missile and drone strikes into Saudi Arabia. In response, Riyadh has conducted airstrikes in Yemen, heightening fears of a broader conflict.
In August, pressure on Pakistan intensified when Turkey was included in the expanded defense agreement, now dubbed the “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.” The three nations agreed that an armed attack on any one of them would be considered an attack on all.
Defense analyst Ayesha Siddiqi expressed skepticism regarding Munir’s assessment of the regional threats, suggesting that Pakistan may have to deploy its military to the frontlines sooner than expected. While Saudi Arabia possesses advanced military equipment, it lacks direct combat experience against the Houthis, making Pakistan’s military expertise invaluable.
According to some analysts cited in the report, if Saudi Arabia activates the Makkah Agreement against the Houthis, Pakistan may face mounting pressure to deploy its forces, potentially including thousands of soldiers already stationed in Saudi Arabia for training.
The report also underscores Pakistan’s economic dependency on Saudi Arabia, which recently provided Islamabad with $8 billion, enhancing prospects for defense production and collaboration.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials are expressing concerns about being drawn into this extensive conflict. With its border adjacent to Iran, Pakistan faces security challenges, including extremism and instability.
Should Pakistan directly engage against the Houthis, it could be perceived as a clear stance against Iran, complicating the situation domestically and regionally. Raja Nasir Abbas, the opposition leader in Pakistan’s Senate, warned that involvement in the conflict could spell disaster for the country, which is already grappling with two significant insurgencies and an ailing economy.
As tensions in the Middle East escalate, the implications for Pakistan remain uncertain. The ongoing conflict threatens energy infrastructure and maritime operations in the region. Recent hostilities have even put the holy city of Makkah at risk, as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi drone that attempted to breach its restricted airspace.
The situation continues to evolve, with significant ramifications for both Pakistan and the broader region.
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