Balancing relationships in the Middle East constitutes one of the most intricate and enduring challenges of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan’s strategic environment compels it to maintain constructive relations with competing regional powers whose rivalries are deeply entrenched. The longstanding geopolitical and sectarian competition between the Sunni-majority Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the Shia-majority Islamic Republic of Iran, places Pakistan in a uniquely sensitive position. Given its historical affiliations, religious bonds, economic dependencies, and security imperatives, Islamabad must continuously navigate a diplomatic tightrope to avoid entanglement in regional conflicts.
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This balancing act is not simply a matter of diplomatic caution; it is a strategic necessity. Pakistan’s national interests, ranging from economic stability and energy security to domestic cohesion and regional peace, are closely intertwined with developments in the Middle East. Millions of Pakistani expatriates reside in Gulf countries, making remittances a lifeline for the national economy. Simultaneously, Iran’s geographical proximity and shared border render it a crucial partner for security cooperation and regional connectivity. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s foreign policy seeks to maintain neutrality, promote dialogue, and avoid overt alignment, while remaining actively engaged with all major stakeholders. This editorial examines the historical context of Pakistan’s Middle East policy, the core drivers behind its non-aligned posture, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in its role as a neutral yet involved actor in an increasingly volatile region.
Historical Foundations of Pakistan’s Middle East Policy
Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan has viewed the Middle East as an extension of its strategic and ideological landscape. The country’s leadership initially envisioned close ties with the Muslim world as a means of consolidating national identity and securing diplomatic support in an uncertain regional environment. Early foreign policy initiatives emphasised Islamic solidarity, culminating in Pakistan’s active participation in forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Saudi Arabia emerged as a particularly close partner due to religious affinity and political alignment, while Iran, then under the Shah, maintained cordial relations with Pakistan based on mutual security interests. Even after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 transformed Iran’s political identity, Pakistan sought to preserve stable relations, recognising the strategic necessity of cooperation with a powerful neighbour. Over time, however, the intensification of Saudi-Iran rivalry placed increasing strain on Pakistan’s ability to maintain equidistance, especially as sectarian polarisation deepened across the region.
The Middle East as an Economic Lifeline
For Pakistan, the Middle East is not merely a neighbouring region; it is a critical pillar of economic survival. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, host millions of Pakistani workers employed across diverse sectors, from construction and services to healthcare and engineering. The remittances sent by these expatriates constitute one of Pakistan’s largest and most reliable sources of foreign exchange, playing a vital role in stabilising the balance of payments and supporting household incomes.
Beyond remittances, Gulf states have consistently extended financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic distress. Saudi Arabia has provided concessional oil facilities, direct cash deposits, and deferred payment arrangements, enabling Pakistan to manage recurrent fiscal and energy crises. Similarly, the UAE has emerged as a major trade partner and investor. This deep economic interdependence significantly constrains Pakistan’s foreign policy choices, as any deterioration in relations with Gulf partners could have immediate and severe economic repercussions.
Energy Security and Strategic Dependencies
Energy security represents another dimension of Pakistan’s reliance on the Middle East. The country imports a substantial portion of its oil and gas requirements from Gulf states, making regional stability essential for uninterrupted supplies. Fluctuations in Middle Eastern geopolitics, whether due to conflict, sanctions, or diplomatic standoffs, directly affect Pakistan’s energy costs and economic planning.
In this context, Iran occupies a unique position. The proposed Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline, often described as the “Peace Pipeline,” symbolises the potential for long-term energy cooperation between the two neighbours. Despite facing sustained pressure from the United States and the threat of international sanctions, Pakistan has repeatedly acknowledged the project’s strategic importance in addressing chronic energy shortages. While progress has remained slow, the pipeline underscores Pakistan’s interest in diversifying energy sources and reducing overdependence on any single region or partner.
Security Imperatives and the Shared Border with Iran
Unlike Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, which is largely defined by economics and religion, ties with Iran are shaped by geography and security. The two countries share a long and porous border, making cooperation essential for combating cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and smuggling. Instability along this frontier poses direct threats to Pakistan’s internal security, particularly in Balochistan, where militant activity has regional dimensions.
Security cooperation with Iran, therefore, transcends ideological and sectarian considerations. Joint border patrols, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic engagement are necessary to prevent the spillover of regional conflicts into Pakistan’s territory. This pragmatic approach reflects Islamabad’s broader foreign policy philosophy, prioritising national security and stability over ideological alignment.
The Saudi-Iran Rivalry and Pakistan’s Neutrality
The intensifying rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, often characterised as a cold war, has repeatedly tested Pakistan’s diplomatic resolve. Proxy conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have heightened sectarian polarisation across the Muslim world, increasing pressure on Pakistan to take sides. Islamabad’s response has consistently emphasized neutrality and restraint.
A defining example of this approach was Pakistan’s decision in 2015 to decline Saudi Arabia’s request for military support in the Yemen conflict. Following parliamentary deliberation, Pakistan opted to remain neutral, citing concerns over regional escalation and domestic sectarian harmony. This decision underscored a critical principle of Pakistan’s Middle East policy: external conflicts must not be allowed to undermine internal stability.
The Mediator’s Role: From Neutrality to Constructive Engagement
Beyond passive neutrality, Pakistan has increasingly sought to position itself as a mediator and peacemaker in the Middle East. By maintaining functional relations with both Riyadh and Tehran, Islamabad has cultivated credibility as a potential interlocutor capable of facilitating dialogue. High-level diplomatic engagements, including mediation efforts undertaken by Pakistan’s leadership, reflect an understanding that regional stability is indivisible from Pakistan’s own security.
A major conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, including disruptions to energy supplies, economic instability, and heightened sectarian tensions at home. Mediation, therefore, is not an altruistic endeavour but a strategic necessity aimed at conflict prevention.
Military Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy
Pakistan’s military relationships in the Middle East add another layer of complexity to its foreign policy. For decades, Pakistan has provided training, advisory services, and security assistance to Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Recent defence agreements have further institutionalised this partnership, reinforcing mutual security commitments.
At the same time, Pakistan has carefully avoided becoming a party to regional conflicts. Its refusal to deploy combat troops in Yemen demonstrated a clear boundary between defence cooperation and active participation in foreign wars. Parallel military engagement with Iran, including joint exercises and naval coordination, further illustrates Pakistan’s effort to maintain strategic balance and autonomy.
Domestic Considerations and Sectarian Harmony
Domestic factors play a decisive role in shaping Pakistan’s Middle East policy. With a significant Shia minority and a history of sectarian violence, Pakistan cannot afford policies that exacerbate internal divisions. External alignments often have domestic repercussions, as regional rivalries can be exploited by extremist groups to inflame sectarian tensions.
Pakistan’s non-aligned posture is therefore closely linked to its internal security calculus. By avoiding overt alignment, the state seeks to prevent the importation of Middle Eastern conflicts into its own social fabric. National unity and social cohesion remain central to Pakistan’s foreign policy decision-making.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite its strategic rationale, Pakistan’s balancing act is fraught with challenges. Economic fragility limits diplomatic flexibility, while political instability weakens policy consistency. Dependence on external financial assistance can constrain foreign policy choices, making neutrality more difficult to sustain during periods of crisis.
To strengthen its strategic autonomy, Pakistan must prioritise economic resilience, energy diversification, and institutional stability. A more self-reliant economy would reduce vulnerability to external pressure and enable a more confident foreign policy posture. Additionally, sustained investment in diplomacy and regional engagement can enhance Pakistan’s role as a bridge between rival powers.
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Pakistan’s foreign policy toward the Middle East represents a carefully calibrated balancing act shaped by historical ties, economic imperatives, security concerns, and domestic realities. By maintaining neutrality, pursuing mediation, and managing diverse partnerships, Pakistan seeks to safeguard its national interests while contributing to regional stability. The success of this approach depends on Islamabad’s ability to navigate complex rivalries without compromising strategic autonomy. Ultimately, Pakistan’s objective is not to choose between competing allies, but to engage all as essential partners in a shared pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity across the Muslim world.
