Can Pakistan play brother-in-arms role as Gulf states eye security shifts?
Summary
Pakistan is becoming more involved in Gulf security as some Gulf states doubt the U.S. commitment to the region. Pakistan recently signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and is playing a role in helping Iran and the U.S. communicate during rising tensions in the Middle East.Key Facts
- Pakistan is located at an important trade crossroads between the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
- Pakistan has modern Chinese-made weapons and a respected army chief, General Asim Munir.
- U.S. President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom” to protect certain ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Pakistan helped transfer 22 Iranian sailors from a container ship seized by the U.S., showing its role as a mediator.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025.
- Pakistani military aircraft were deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of this defense pact.
- Some Gulf states question the U.S. commitment to security after recent conflicts involving Israel and Iran.
- Pakistan maintains good relations with Sunni Gulf states, Shiite Iran, the U.S., and China, giving it a unique position in regional security.
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