In the midst of rising hostilities in the Middle East, Pakistan has firmly declared its readiness to extend support to Saudi Arabia whenever the need arises. This commitment was underscored by Mohsarraf Zaidi, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for Foreign Media, during an interview with Bloomberg TV. Zaidi emphasized Islamabad’s unwavering stance, stating that Pakistan will stand by Riyadh’s side “regardless of the circumstances or timing,” signaling a deep-rooted alliance between the two nations.
This declaration comes against the backdrop of an intensifying conflict involving the United States and Israel launching military operations against Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Iran has targeted US military installations scattered across the Gulf region, including those within Saudi borders, utilizing missile and drone strikes. Despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressing regret over the collateral damage inflicted on neighboring countries, Tehran remains resolute in its position to strike back at any locations used as launchpads for attacks on its territory.
It is important to recall that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia cemented their strategic partnership last September by signing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). This pact explicitly states that any aggression directed at one country will be considered an attack on both, reinforcing a mutual defense commitment that heightens the stakes amid the current turmoil. This agreement has become a cornerstone of Pakistan-Saudi relations, especially as regional tensions escalate.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the role of Iran’s Supreme Leader following the martyrdom of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli strike. This gesture reflects Pakistan’s diplomatic balancing act in a volatile environment. Prior to this, Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia, where he met with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Their discussions focused on the Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, framed within the context of the joint strategic defense agreement, highlighting the seriousness with which both countries are addressing the security challenges.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, revealed that Islamabad is working diligently to persuade Tehran to halt its attacks on Saudi Arabia. In a confidential briefing, Sanaullah mentioned that Pakistan’s military leadership maintains continuous communication with Iranian counterparts, striving to resolve misunderstandings and prevent further targeting of Gulf nations. He also noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been in ongoing dialogue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These talks have reportedly led Tehran to adopt a more conciliatory stance, contingent upon Saudi Arabia’s assurance that its territory will not be used as a base for operations against Iran.
Expanding on the depth of Pakistan-Saudi relations during this period of heightened tension, Zaidi highlighted the longstanding principle that both countries operate on: mutual support and solidarity. He posed a critical question about Pakistan’s role in preventing the escalation of conflict that could jeopardize regional stability and prosperity. Zaidi further disclosed that Saudi Arabia has proactively arranged to assist Pakistan with its oil and diesel supplies amid global fuel shortages triggered by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane.
In addition, Zaidi pointed out that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s persistent communications with Iranian officials have contributed to Tehran’s recent conciliatory approach toward Gulf states. This diplomatic engagement is crucial as Pakistan navigates its position between two influential regional powers while safeguarding its own national interests.
On the economic front, Pakistan has adapted to the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by rerouting its crude oil imports through the Red Sea. A vessel from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) recently docked at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia and is scheduled to depart for Karachi carrying 73,000 tonnes of crude oil. Another PNSC ship, Shalamar, has successfully loaded oil from Fujairah port and is en route to Karachi. Shipping officials have noted that the ongoing conflict has left several vessels stranded, including two PNSC ships near Karachi and at a charter port, underscoring the logistical challenges Pakistan faces amid the regional instability.
Overall, Pakistan’s stance reflects a careful balancing act—demonstrating solidarity with Saudi Arabia while pursuing diplomatic channels to mitigate conflict in the Gulf. The country’s strategic decisions, both diplomatic and economic, reveal its commitment to maintaining regional peace and protecting its own energy security in these uncertain times.
