From Baghdad Pact to Makkah accord: The anxious search of Pakistan's power elite for regional standing

The collective memory of Muslim societies, particularly in the West and South Asia, has long been shaped by the persistent belief that a joint response to various challenges is necessary. This concept, rooted in the historical collapse of the Ottoman Empire, has taken different forms over time. One significant milestone was the Baghdad Pact, which represented an institutional expression of this idea within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Pakistan, in particular, has embraced this notion, influencing its ideology and internal politics. The recent Makkah accord, along with other regional agreements, has bolstered Pakistan's confidence, but internal challenges still hinder its progress. The power elite in Pakistan seeks to address domestic issues while maintaining external momentum, leading them to consider political risks such as creating new provinces.

This ambition stems from a desire to match the stability of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Both countries face a middle-power dilemma where their military ambitions do not align with their territorial control, but their geographical limitations further complicate their strategic choices. Pakistan's approach differs from Turkiye's as it prioritizes strengthening its defence capabilities and strategic weight through deeper engagement in West Asia, rather than expanding territorially.

Saudi Arabia, concerned with economic stability and regional threats, has adopted a more cautious approach. Pakistan, meanwhile, is undergoing a state-centric ideological shift, aiming to align religion with the state, modernize the Muslim state, and centralize control over security and foreign policy. However, this transformation faces obstacles due to existing political arrangements.

The Afghan Taliban's rise has taught Pakistan a valuable lesson about the limitations of Islamist alliances. Middle powers, like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, often seek alliances with compatible capabilities and ambitions to achieve renewed glory.