Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to support Saudi Arabia if required, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Gulf states after US-Israeli attacks.
Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said Islamabad would come to Riyadh’s aid whenever needed, highlighting the deep security partnership between the two countries.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia.
“There is no question we might, we will come to Saudi Arabia’s aid no matter what and no matter when,” Zaidi said.
He noted that even before the signing of a formal defense agreement, both nations had always followed the principle of supporting each other in times of need.
Zaidi added that Pakistan is also focused on preventing the situation from escalating further and ensuring that its closest partners are not drawn deeper into a conflict that could undermine regional stability and prosperity.
Defense pact strengthens long-standing partnership
Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran, signed a defense pact in September last year, further strengthening their longstanding security relationship.
The agreement elevated strategic cooperation between the two countries, a partnership now being tested amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Iran has maintained missile strikes on Gulf states for more than a week as part of its ongoing war with the United States and Israel, a conflict that has had global repercussions.
Saudi Arabia said on Saturday it intercepted drones heading toward a major oil field, marking the latest attack on energy infrastructure in the region.
The escalating conflict has also triggered a surge in global crude oil and gas prices.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss joint security
Over the weekend, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia and held talks with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
During the meeting, both sides discussed joint measures to counter Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting the kingdom.
According to Zaidi, Saudi Arabia has made arrangements to help support Pakistan’s oil and diesel supply since the conflict began. The energy crisis has hit Pakistan particularly hard as an import-dependent nation.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik told local media that fuel supplies are being delivered through Yanbu, a Saudi port in the Red Sea located far from the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been shut off due to the conflict.
To ensure the uninterrupted flow of fuel imports, the Pakistan Navy has announced that its warships will escort commercial vessels carrying energy supplies. This step aims to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime trade routes during the ongoing regional instability.
Possible role for Pakistan in Hormuz security
International relations expert Rashid Ahmad Khan, based in Lahore, said there remains limited clarity about the defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, he suggested Pakistan could potentially be asked to secure the Strait of Hormuz as part of the agreement.
He added that Pakistan is highly unlikely to attack Iran directly, but may provide technical military support or assistance in defending Saudi territory against drone attacks.
The conflict has already had significant economic repercussions in Pakistan.
The government increased fuel prices on Saturday by the highest margin in the country’s history, a move that has been particularly painful as 29% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line.
Authorities have also introduced several cost-cutting and energy-saving measures, including freezing cabinet salaries, temporarily shutting schools, and shifting to a four-day work week.
Zaidi said fuel stocks in the country remain “stable to good,” with three shipments arriving this week and another expected next week.
Pakistan maintains diplomatic contact with Iran
Despite rising tensions, Pakistan has maintained diplomatic engagement with Iran. Zaidi said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has held constant conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi since the conflict began.
These discussions aim to manage tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
