Pakistan’s foreign policy in the wake of Saudi-Iran rapprochement
THE recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China, has been a welcome development for Pakistan. Pakistan has traditionally maintained close ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, despite the historical rivalry and tensions between the two countries, and has been a vocal advocate for greater dialogue and cooperation between the two. As a key player in the region, Pakistan has found itself in a delicate balancing act, as it seeks to maintain its strategic interests while navigating the traditional balance of equilibrium between the two ideological arch-rivals.
In the aftermath of Saudi-Iran peace deals, Pakistan’s foreign policy course of action will depend on a number of factors, including the nature and extent of the Saudi-Iran rapprochement, China’s role in the process, and the actions of other regional and global powers. In order to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, Pakistan will need to adopt a balanced and pragmatic approach that takes into account its own strategic interests as well as the interests of its key partners and allies.
Pakistan has long been struggling to find a middle ground in its relations with the two states, although it has a more tilted policy towards Saudi Arabia due to its financial and political support. Pakistan needs to review its relations with both countries. Pakistan needs to continue to maintain close ties with Saudi Arabia and improve its bilateral relations with Iran by pursuing a more neutral foreign policy stance, avoiding taking sides in any potential disputes or conflicts. This could involve focusing on developing its own economic and political ties in the region, and seeking to promote greater economic cooperation and integration between all countries in the region.
Saudi Crown Prince is spearheading the transformation drive in the kingdom and Iran is looking for avenues to expand economic cooperation amid international pressure. Therefore, Pakistan, which is located right next door to both states, can benefit if it focuses on promoting economic activity. The normalization of relations between the two states may pave the way for reviving the Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline deal which was delayed due to the reasons of international sanctions or the influence of Riyadh. Both countries are major markets for Pakistani goods and services, and increased economic cooperation between the two could create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses and investors.
In order to benefit from Saudi-Iran rapprochement, Pakistan needs to put its own house in order. It is a known fact of international politics that weak and middle powers cannot always do what they desire to do because they are economically, militarily and diplomatically dependent on powerful countries. Only a stable economic and political system can enhance a country’s ability to pursue its foreign policy goals by providing diplomatic credibility, economic leverage, military strength and soft power.
—The writer is Assistant Director-NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) and a former visiting lecturer of the National Defence University Islamabad.
