As tensions escalate in the Middle East due to the recent conflict involving U.S. and Israeli attacks in Iran, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious position. With casualties mounting and retaliatory strikes from Iran affecting Gulf states, Islamabad faces critical decisions that could impact its regional alliances, especially with Saudi Arabia and Iran. This situation not only highlights Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts but also underscores the intricate balance of power and shared interests among Muslim-majority nations in the region.
Islamabad, Pakistan – The ramifications of ongoing hostilities stemming from U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran, which have resulted in over a thousand casualties including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, are reverberating throughout South Asia, particularly in Pakistan. As Iranian missiles and drones target both Israel and several Gulf countries, Pakistan finds itself navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, given its significant ties to nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan shares a lengthy 900-kilometer (559 miles) border with Iran in its southwest, with millions of Pakistani workers residing in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, contributing vital remittances to the Pakistani economy. Since September of last year, Islamabad has bolstered its longstanding relationship with Riyadh through a formal mutual defense agreement, asserting that aggression against either nation would be regarded as aggression against both.
As Iranian aggression escalates, the Pakistani government is being pressed to articulate its stance amidst rising concern over potential implications for its regional security. Thus far, Islamabad’s response has included extensive diplomatic engagement, reaching out to leaders in both Tehran and Riyadh. Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes, Pakistan condemned the action as “unwarranted” and similarly denounced Iranian retaliatory measures against Gulf states as “blatant violations of sovereignty.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been proactive, engaging in what he termed “shuttle diplomacy” during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Riyadh at the onset of the conflict. Dar emphasized Pakistan’s defense commitments to Saudi Arabia, reminding Iranian leadership of these obligations during communications. He secured assurances from Riyadh that Saudi territory would not be used to attack Iran, which he believes moderated the scale of Iranian strikes on the kingdom.
This newly forged Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, established in 2025, marked a pivotal turn in Pakistan’s foreign policy, solidifying defense commitments that have endured for decades. However, it has unintentionally thrust Pakistan into a precarious position, caught between two influential regional powers. Analysts suggest that Islamabad’s current dilemma stems from unforeseen political dynamics following Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran initiated by Chinese mediation in 2023.
Strategically armed, Pakistan has historically maintained a military presence in Saudi Arabia, housing approximately 1,500 to 2,000 personnel. Critics, however, caution against interpreting Pakistan’s defense agreement as a blank check for military intervention. The evolving military landscape demands a delicate balance, as both nations depend upon one another for regional stability.
While tensions rise, Pakistan cannot neglect its longstanding relationship with Iran—marked by trade ties and a mutual interest in stability along their shared border. Political dynamics dictate that Islamabad must tread carefully, given its reliance on Iran for various diplomatic and economic partnerships. The domestic response to the recent violence and the potential ramifications of siding overtly with either Iran or Saudi Arabia could exacerbate sectarian divisions within Pakistan, a scenario no stakeholder desires.
In light of the escalating conflict, Pakistan’s immediate options appear limited. Analysts agree that a direct military intervention is highly unlikely, given domestic constraints and the potential for destabilization at home. Instead, it may adopt a strategy of diplomatic engagement, leveraging its position as an intermediary while providing defensive support to Saudi Arabia.
Through this diplomatic lens, Pakistan’s involvement is framed not merely in terms of military might but also as a proactive effort aimed at fostering long-term regional stability. This narrative positions Islamabad as a stabilizing force amidst a challenging geopolitical climate, highlighting the importance of collaboration among Muslim nations in the face of external pressures.
As Pakistan looks ahead, the challenge lies in maintaining its role as a bridge between competing interests while safeguarding its national interests in an increasingly volatile environment.
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