Houthi rebels recently fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, intensifying Gulf tensions and raising alarms in Pakistan, which mediates US-Iran talks, consequently increasing Islamabad’s diplomatic challenge. Analysts note that maintaining neutral relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran has become difficult.
Pakistan’s Military Red Line
A Pakistani official confirmed to Reuters that attacks on Saudi installations will count as assaults on Pakistan, establishing a strict red line. Consequently, Islamabad warned Iran against jeopardizing regional stability or endangering Pakistani troops deployed in Saudi Arabia under a prior defense agreement.
Growing Concerns Over Escalation
Security experts, including Muhammad Amir Rana, stated that Houthi strikes near Pakistan-deployed forces could pressure Islamabad into taking reactive action. Retired General Ghulam Mustafa emphasized that leadership still seeks to maintain calm between warring parties, but warned that further Houthi escalation could change the situation dramatically.
Trade and Mediation at Stake
Officials noted that Gulf instability could disrupt maritime trade via the Red Sea, affecting Pakistan’s strategic and economic interests. Furthermore, ongoing Houthi-Saudi tensions complicate Pakistan’s intermediary role between the US and Iran, despite the recent MoU agreement to facilitate talks.
Pakistan Maintains Diplomatic Commitment
Despite rising frustration, Pakistani authorities confirmed continued commitment to mediation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi urged all sides to exercise restraint, stressing that continuous engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions.
