Pak faces tough choice as Saudi tensions escalate
Islamabad and Dubai: Pakistan finds itself caught between Riyadh and Washington as conflict between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi forces escalates. This is the first major test of the mutual defense alliance signed recently by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Pakistan's soldiers are deployed near the Saudi border with Yemen, increasing their direct exposure.
The defense deals with Gulf nations are a key part of Pakistan's efforts to boost its fledgling economy, but the country also relies on oil and gas shipments through maritime routes that Iran and the Houthis can disrupt. Pakistan has warned Iran to rein in its Houthi allies, but it does not want to spoil relations with Tehran. The country's alignment with Riyadh and Washington allows it to deliver messages in ways a neutral party could not, but an escalation in the conflict could change this calculus.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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