Amid attacks on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan reneges on deal, shows contempt to SMDA. Has Pakistan’s masterplan gone wrong?

News India Live, Digital Desk: In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement’ (SMDA). Under this ‘NATO-style’ treaty, an attack on one country was to be considered an attack on both countries. But when Iran targeted Saudi Arabia’s oil refineries (like Ras Tanura), Pakistan chose the path of ‘diplomatic balancing’ instead of sending help.1. What was the agreement that Pakistan broke? (The Broken Pact)SMDA 2025: In this deal made between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif, it was clear that if a third country (like India or Iran) attacks, both the armies will fight together. Strategy to encircle India: Experts believe that Pakistan had made this deal mainly to suppress India diplomatically, so that in the event of a war with India in the future, Saudi Arabia would Can get along.2. Iran’s ‘warning’ and Pakistan’s fearPakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that they are in a difficult situation: Pressure from Iran: Iran has given a clear warning to Pakistan that if Saudi Arabia’s soil (where American bases are also located) is used against Iran and Pakistan supports it, then the consequences will be serious. Fear of internal strife: Pakistan has about 40 million Shia population which is sympathetic to Iran. In such a situation, military action against Iran can create a ‘civil war’ like situation within Pakistan.3. Gave a tingle of ‘trust’ to Saudi Arabia. After the attacks, Pakistan has shown only ‘verbal solidarity’: Shuttle Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar told that he has tried to become a ‘mediator’ between Iran and Saudi Arabia, so that the attacks on Saudi are reduced. Running away from the field: The ground reality is that no squad of Pak Air Force or Army has been deployed for the security of Saudi Arabia. Even though it was mandatory under the agreement.4. Experts’ opinion: Pak trapped in its own web Defense experts say that Pakistan is now trapped on ‘two fronts’: on one hand, the war is going on on the border with Afghanistan. On the other hand, by not providing military help to Saudi Arabia, it is angering its biggest ‘economic backer’ (Riyadh).5. What does this mean for India? India is keeping a close eye on this situation. The rift between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan can be strategically beneficial for India, because it will break Pakistan’s illusion that Arab countries will become its military allies in every situation.