In the wake of rising unrest in the Middle East triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Pakistan has once again expressed its firm commitment to stand by Saudi Arabia whenever necessary. The spokesperson for the Prime Minister on Foreign Media, Mohsarraf Zaidi, underscored Pakistan’s steadfast alliance with Riyadh, emphasizing that Islamabad’s support remains resolute regardless of timing or circumstances. This declaration comes amid a volatile regional atmosphere marked by recent military exchanges and heightened security concerns.
The current surge in tensions followed a series of attacks initiated by the US and Israel against Iranian targets on February 28. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military installations scattered across the Gulf, including some within Saudi Arabian territory. Despite the retaliatory nature of these strikes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret over the unintended impact on neighboring countries, while simultaneously warning that Tehran would continue to target any locations used as bases for aggression against its homeland. This complex dynamic has further complicated the already fragile security landscape of the Gulf region.
It is important to recall that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized their strategic partnership last September by signing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). This pact stipulates that any armed attack against one signatory will be treated as an attack against both nations, thereby deepening their military and diplomatic ties. The agreement reflects a long-standing history of cooperation and mutual support between the two countries, which Zaidi highlighted by noting that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have traditionally operated on the principle of unwavering solidarity in times of crisis.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to address the escalating conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently extended congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his succession as Iran’s Supreme Leader, following reports of the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli strike. This gesture signals Pakistan’s intent to maintain open channels with all regional players despite the tensions. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Asim Munir, conducted a high-level visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Their discussions focused heavily on the recent Iranian missile attacks and the broader implications for regional security under the framework of the SMDA.
On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, revealed that Pakistan is actively engaging with Iranian authorities to encourage a cessation of hostilities against Saudi Arabia. The Pakistani military leadership remains in frequent communication with Tehran in an effort to de-escalate tensions and prevent the Gulf countries from becoming battlegrounds. Sanaullah also disclosed that Iran has conveyed assurances to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, promising to avoid attacks on Saudi territory provided Riyadh refrains from allowing its land to be used for operations targeting Iran.
Zaidi further elaborated on the depth of the Pakistan-Saudi relationship, emphasizing that the two nations have historically supported each other through various challenges. He posed a critical question about Pakistan’s role in preventing the situation from deteriorating further, stressing Islamabad’s proactive measures aimed at safeguarding regional stability and prosperity. This approach reflects Pakistan’s broader strategic interest in maintaining peace and security in the Gulf, given its economic and geopolitical stakes in the region.
In addition to military and diplomatic support, Saudi Arabia has taken concrete steps to assist Pakistan in managing the fallout from the ongoing crisis. Since the conflict disrupted global fuel supplies—particularly after Iran’s closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz—Saudi Arabia has arranged to supply Pakistan with essential oil and diesel. To circumvent the blockade, Pakistan has rerouted its crude oil imports through the Red Sea corridor. A vessel from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) recently docked at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia and is scheduled to sail to Karachi carrying approximately 73,000 tonnes of crude oil. Another PNSC ship, the Shalamar, has loaded oil at Fujairah Port and is en route to Karachi. However, the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect maritime traffic, with two PNSC vessels currently stranded near Karachi and at a charter port, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s energy logistics amid the regional turmoil.
