Key Takeaways
- Pakistan cautions against joining Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen.
- The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement binds Pakistan to Saudi actions.
- Pakistan seeks to protect its interests through defensive measures.
Pakistan has expressed concerns over its involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, warning that joining the conflict could be detrimental to its national interests.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry informed the media that Pakistan Armed Forces are currently stationed in the Kingdom, working across multiple domains.
Pakistan has a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, backing the Kingdom’s sovereignty and security, but questions the wisdom of joining an all-out war in Yemen.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has launched an attack against the Ansar Allah around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following Houthi attacks that expanded into the Kingdom.
Pakistan and Turkey have been drawn into the conflict due to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all three.
Pakistan’s ISPR director general emphasized the need for a ‘cold head’ in handling the situation, suggesting that Pakistan should protect its interests through defensive deployments, intelligence sharing, air defense, maritime security, and logistical support.
Pakistan is already engaged in multiple internal and external security challenges, including fighting Indian terrorism, economic pressure, and border tensions with Afghanistan.
The Makkah Defence Agreement may prove valuable if it strengthens deterrence, but it is currently becoming a liability as every Saudi battlefield is being treated as Pakistan’s battlefield.
Pakistan should differentiate between supporting Saudi Arabia and fighting Saudi Arabia’s wars, the latter of which could lead to higher oil prices, freight costs, and inflation.
