Dr Muhammad Khan
PAKISTAN and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed exceptional relationship since the beginning of their bilateral ties soon after Pakistan came into being in 1947. There have been complete agreement and coordination on all regional and global issues between both countries. In the backdrop of rapidly changing geopolitical situation, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff is visiting Riyadh. During the visit, General Bajwa and Saudi leadership are likely to discuss the rapidly emerging regional situation in the Middle East, the peace process between Taliban and the Afghan Government and bilateral issues of Pakistan and Kingdom. Indeed, there are new alliances in the making in Middle East and Saudi Arabia has very significant role to play with respect to these developments. A consultation with had become necessary between Riyadh and Islamabad and between two militaries. Thus, it is a pre-planned visit primarily aiming to discuss the military and strategic issues and setting a stage for political consultations.
The spokesperson of Armed Forces of Pakistan, Major General Babar Iftikhar has categorically stated that, ‘Pakistan has fraternal ties with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indeed, there is no question of any fissure or even ambiguity in the Pak-Saudi bilateral relationship. The Director General of ISPR expressed this resolve of armed forces of Pakistan during his interaction with journalists on August 13, 2020. The journalists asked this question in the backdrop of a statement of the Foreign Minister Qureshi. Indeed, at the military and strategic level, Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a very strong and persistent relationship. At political and diplomatic level too, there have been no misperception between Kingdom and Pakistan. Unlike global practices of written agreements and pacts, there is a tacit understanding and concord between Riyadh and Islamabad for assisting and helping each other at the time of need. This assistance is applicable in all issues; military, political and diplomatic. A proved in the history of their bilateral relationship, Pakistan and Saudi-Arabia, despite very few written agreements, both countries have tacit understanding of assisting each other at the trying time. In this regard, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the former the General Intelligence Directorate, Saudi Arabiaonce said, “Relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as ‘probably one of the closest relationships in the world between any two countries without any official treaty.” In fact, for three decades, he has witnessed and monitored the strategic nature of Pak-Saudi relationship, so he exactly knew the intimacy and consistency of this relationship.
During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the decade of 1980s, Pakistan and Kingdom demonstrated a great deal of military and strategic cooperation. Though, United States was behind this war, however, it was Pakistani strategy from its soil, which worked well, causing defeat to invading forces. Saudi Arab was directly connected with Pakistan and assisted it, in this decade long war against Communism. Indeed, in the decade of 1980s, Saudi Arabia feared a continuation of the Soviet advance towards the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Afghanistan itself is not the core issue in Saudi Foreign policy; rather, it derives its importance for Riyadh, owing to Pakistan. The changes at international arena after 9/11 have further brought Pakistan and Saudi Arabia closer to each other. Both countries tried their best to resolve the Afghan problems through peaceful means. Throughout the war against terrorism, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia worked together for return of peace and stability in the war-torn Afghanistan.
In the historical perspective, Pak-Saudi military cooperation started in the early 1960s. During this era and even till 1970s, Pakistani armed forces played a great role towards founding of Saudi armed forces. Pakistani military had a key role in the establishment of Saudi Army, Saudi Air Force and Saudi Navy. Even today, there are over 1200 Pakistani military trainers, acting as nucleus staff for the training of various segments of Saudi military. Saudi military officers from all arms and services attend various professional courses in the Pakistani military institutions each year.
Unlike many assumptions and misperceptions, Pakistan had always stood by Saudi Arabia on the security issues and both enjoy the best of bilateral trust in all fields; security, politics and economy. Pakistan considers security of Saudi Arabia as of its own security; therefore, no question arises of any deviation and distrust. During his visit of Riyadh in 2018, Prime Minister Imran Khan had an in-depth discussion with Saudi leadership about the on-going conflict in Yemen. He even made an offer to the Kingdom for playing a role of mediator to end the Yemen war, amicably.
Indeed, the strategic and military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has intensified over the years. There have been joint military exercises between the militaries of two countries besides training of Saudi officers in Pakistani military institutions. In December 2015, there have been joint military exercises in Pakistan and in March 2016, Pakistani military took part in Saudi military exercises, ‘North Thunder’ conducted in northern part of the country. Indeed, on the strategic level, both countries are enjoying an excellent relationship, which would continue despite regional and global strategic realignments. The visit of General Qamar Javed Bajwa will further boost the strategic and military relationship between two militaries. Indeed, the regional and global challenges, facing both countries can be tackled through a joint military strategy and political concord agreed unanimously. The visit will pave the way for a greater cooperation between both countries while addressing the new geopolitical realities, arising in the broader regions of South and West Asia. This is a reality that; Riyadh cannot leave Islamabad and Islamabad cannot leave Riyadh.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
