New Delhi: Pakistan has been trying to play the role of a mediator this year amid the US-Iran tension. On the other hand, it has also strengthened its defense relations with Saudi Arabia. But the recent conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels has thrown Islamabad’s balancing strategy into trouble.
Saudi Arabia is not just a close ally for Pakistan, but the two countries also have strong defense ties. In such a situation, after the attacks by Houthis, the pressure on Islamabad to take a clear stand in support of Riyadh has increased. On the other hand, Pakistan has also been trying to play a role in taking forward the talks between America and Iran.
Shahbaz Sharif spoke to Saudi Crown Prince
To handle the situation, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over phone. During this, he strongly condemned the Houthi attack and expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. According to the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif said that such attacks are a serious threat not only to the security of Saudi Arabia, but also to the entire region and global energy supply.
The conversation took place when Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its 1,200-km-long East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack. This pipeline is an important alternative route to transport Saudi oil from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea.
First big test of defense agreement
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthis is also considered important for Pakistan because defense cooperation between the two countries has recently strengthened. In the agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, it was decided that in case of an armed attack on any one of the three countries, it would be considered an attack on all.
According to Saudi officials, the Houthi attacks injured two people and damaged several buildings. In such a situation, the challenge before Pakistan is how it maintains its diplomatic role between America and Iran while maintaining its Saudi defense cooperation.