Pakistan’s weak economy faces rising pressure from expensive fuel and inflation. Recently, reports from Pakistan highlighted increasing costs of basic necessities. Petrol and diesel prices have also created difficulties for citizens.
Meanwhile, the US-Iran conflict has pushed global crude oil prices higher. However, this crisis may create a major opportunity for Islamabad. Stronger Gulf partnerships could help Pakistan improve energy security and attract investment.
Several Arab nations now view Pakistan as a potential military partner. Saudi Arabia already signed a mutual defence agreement with Islamabad. Additionally, Kuwait is considering a major security arrangement.
According to Reuters, Bahrain and Jordan also want stronger defence cooperation. Therefore, Pakistan could gain long-term oil supplies, investment opportunities, and greater geopolitical importance.
However, every advantage brings challenges. As Islamabad joins Gulf security plans, Iran may view Pakistan as part of an opposing group.
Why Gulf Countries Are Looking Towards Pakistan
Gulf monarchies face increasing security concerns across the region. Iranian missile attacks and Iran-backed groups have increased fears of wider conflict.
Therefore, Gulf governments are reviewing their defence options. Pakistan offers a unique combination of military strength and strategic connections.
The country has one of the largest armies in the Muslim world. Moreover, Pakistan has battlefield experience, defence production capability, and a modern air force.
At the same time, Islamabad maintains working relations with Washington. This combination makes Pakistan attractive for countries seeking alternatives to traditional American security support.
Saudi Arabia started this approach through a defence agreement with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Kuwait reportedly wants Pakistani soldiers, fighter jets, drones, air defence systems, and other military equipment.
Although talks remain at an early stage, they show Gulf nations want security guarantees beyond complete American dependence.
Economic Benefits and Energy Support for Pakistan
For Pakistan, these agreements could provide important economic support. The country faces foreign funding pressure, forex shortages, and long-term energy challenges.
Oil imports remain a major burden on Pakistan’s balance of payments. Furthermore, every global energy price rise increases pressure on Islamabad.
Defence cooperation could offer a possible solution. Gulf nations possess resources Pakistan needs, including oil, capital, and sovereign wealth investments.
Reports about Kuwait discussions suggest Islamabad wants energy cooperation, fuel storage arrangements, and long-term supply agreements.
Such arrangements could help Pakistan create strategic reserves and reduce supply disruption risks.
Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan financially several times in recent years. A deeper partnership could encourage investment in infrastructure, energy projects, mining, and industries.
If Bahrain, Kuwait, and other Gulf nations follow Saudi Arabia’s approach, Pakistan could convert military strength into economic gains.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role Faces New Pressure
Pakistan also wants to maintain its role as a mediator between America and Iran. Islamabad has tried to build dialogue channels between competing regional powers.
However, expanding defence agreements with Gulf nations could complicate this strategy. Training cooperation differs from deals involving soldiers, fighter aircraft, and air defence systems.
From Tehran’s perspective, defensive deployments could appear similar to joining an anti-Iran alliance.
The challenge increases when Pakistan considers attacks on Saudi Arabia as attacks against itself. Such statements strengthen Gulf confidence but may weaken Islamabad’s neutral image.
A country cannot permanently act as both mediator and military guarantor.
Iran May Question Pakistan’s Neutral Position
Pakistan’s policymakers may describe these agreements as defensive measures. However, Iran may interpret them differently.
Most Gulf countries strengthening ties with Islamabad are Sunni Arab monarchies. These nations consider Iran a major security concern.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait remain worried about Iran’s influence and regional ambitions.
If Pakistani troops, aircraft, and defence systems support these nations, Tehran may question Pakistan’s neutrality.
This concern matters because Pakistan shares a long border with Iran. Islamabad must manage trade, border security, and regional stability with Tehran.
In 2024, Iran launched missiles and drones into Pakistan’s Balochistan province against Jaish-al-Adl. Pakistan responded with strikes inside Iran and claimed it targeted militant locations.
Although both sides resolved the clash quickly, Iran may remember regional alignments during crises. Pakistan could face a more suspicious Iran in future years.
Can Pakistan Handle Growing Military Expectations
Another challenge involves Pakistan’s ability to meet rising demands. Kuwait’s reported requirements include thousands of soldiers, fighter aircraft, drones, and air defence systems.
Similar requests from multiple Gulf countries could pressure Pakistan’s military resources.
Pakistan already faces internal security challenges. Its western border remains unstable, while incidents near Afghanistan have increased.
Additionally, Baloch insurgency requires continued military attention and resources. Counterterror operations also remain necessary.
Meanwhile, India remains Pakistan’s major eastern security concern. Islamabad cannot significantly reduce deployments there because of Gulf commitments.
Therefore, Pakistan must carefully assess how much support it can provide abroad.
Pakistan’s Long Military Connection With Arab Nations
Arab countries have sought Pakistani military assistance since Pakistan’s creation in 1947. Saudi Arabia remains the oldest example of this relationship.
Since the 1960s, Pakistani officers, pilots, and trainers helped strengthen Saudi military capabilities. Over decades, defence cooperation expanded between both nations.
Jordan also used Pakistani military expertise. During the 1967 Arab-Israel war, Pakistani pilots participated in Arab military operations.
Later, Pakistani officers advised Jordan’s army. During the 1970 Black September crisis, Pakistani forces supported Jordan’s government against Palestinian militants.
Before and after the UAE’s formation, Pakistani officers helped develop local military institutions. Oman also received Pakistani support while modernising its forces.
Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain benefited from Pakistani trainers, advisers, and security personnel. Egypt and Syria also received Pakistani military assistance during conflicts with Israel.
Arab nations had financial resources but lacked experienced military manpower. Pakistan offered both expertise and trained personnel.
This created defence relationships that lasted decades and now appear to be entering a new phase.
Pakistan Faces A Strategic Choice Ahead
Pakistan’s military importance has increased as Gulf nations search for security support. The crisis offers Islamabad opportunities for investment, energy access, and diplomatic influence. However, such opportunities also create risks. Every defence agreement expands Pakistan’s economic options but limits diplomatic flexibility.
As Islamabad becomes more involved in Gulf security systems, balancing relations with Iran becomes harder. For decades, Pakistan carefully maintained ties between Riyadh and Tehran. The emerging Gulf security structure may force Islamabad to reconsider that balance.
Pakistan could gain oil, investment, and strategic importance from this crisis. Yet, the bigger question remains whether these benefits outweigh the risk of creating a long-term regional rival.
