PAKISTAN- SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS FROM PAST TO

PRESENT

By

Naheed Ullah

Registration No.AUP-18FL-BS-IR-13772

This Research Thesis Submitted to the Department of Governance, Politics and

Public Policy (GPP), Abasyn University, Peshawar in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor in International Relations

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

ABASYN UNIVERSITY- PESHAWAR
RING ROAD (CHARSSADA LINK) - PESHAWAR
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

November 2022
 i

Abstract
Pakistan relations with Saudi Arabia have been concerted and coordinated on the basis of
calculated strategy, except for the few exceptions. Pakistan had maintained friendly ties with
Saudi Arab but with passage of time Saudi Arab start playing more assertive role with
Pakistan. Since the inception of Pakistan tends policy makers to look towards the Saudi Arab
due to cultural and religious orientation. The Pakistan also became dependent on Saudi
Arabia when Islamabad looks to Riyadh for economic assistance. This study has analyzed the
unique relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia by dissecting the dimensions of Saudi,
political, economic and cultural influence on Pakistan. In the contemporary time role of
Pakistan can be described as shatter belt’ vis-à-vis Saudi Arabia an attempt to pull itself out
of Western influence and relied on Saudi, political and economic assistance which resulted in
explicit dictation of Saudi Arabia. This has occurred in the backdrop of important geopolitical
and economic shifts in the region of Persian Gulf, leading to a new dynamic equilibrium in
the Pak-Saudi bilateral ties. Strong relations with Riyadh have become a crucial element of
Pakistan’s overall foreign policy, given the latter’s intermittent economic support by the
former, which underscores the significance of the Saudi kingdom; however, deepening Indo-
Saudi ties can also not be overlooked or underestimated. This study gives an overview of
ever-evolving Pak-Saudi ties, while taking into consideration current dynamics of the Saudi’s
role in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as in the
South Asian region.

Keywords: Pak-Saudi Relations, Arab World, Strategic, Economic, Bilateralism,

Sovereignty, Hegemonic Strategy, Balance, Mutual Dependence.
 ii

Acknowledgements

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful.

All praises to Allah and his blessing for the completion of my thesis. I thank Allah the
Almighty for all the opportunities, trails and strength that have been showered on me to finish
writing the thesis. I experienced so much during this process, not only from the academic
aspect but also from the aspect of personality.

First and foremost, I would like to special thanks to Mr. Muhammad Kazim, Lecture in the
Department of GPP who is my supervisor and helped me a lot and guided me for the
completion of my research. His academic support and intellectual feedback was very
beneficial for my research work.

I would like to sincerely thank to Prof. Dr. A. Z. Hilali, HOD: Department of Governance,
Politics, International Relations and Public Policy (GPP), for his guidance, understanding,
patience and most importantly, he has provided positive encouragement and a warm spirit to
finish this thesis.

I would like to thank all my beloved friends who were with me and support me through thick
and thin. Most importantly I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Fareed Ahmad (BS in
International Relations) Mr. Noor Ul Haq (BS in International Relations), for academic help
and assistance, for their valuable apprehensions, and support in accomplishment or my
research work.

Last but not least, nobody has been more important to me in the pursuit of this project than
the member of my family. I would like to thank my parents, especially my Mother, whose
love and guidance is with me in whatever I pursue and who provide unending inspiration.

Naheed Ullah
Date: 23-09-2022
 iii

Author’s Declaration

I, Naheed Ullah S/o Iqbal Khan bearing registration no. AUP-18FL-BS-IR-13772

Hereby state that my BS thesis titled entitled “Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations from Past
to Present” is my own work and has not been submitted previously by me taking any degree
from Abasyn University or anywhere else in the country/world.

At any time if my statement is found to be incorrect even after my Graduation the

Abasyn University has the right to withdraw my BS degree.

(Student’s Signature)
. Name of Student: Naheed Ullah
Date: 23-09-2022
 iv

Declaration Regarding Plagiarism

I solemnly declare that research project presented in the thesis titled “Pakistan- Saudi
Arabia Relations from Past to Present” is solely my research work with no significant
contribution from other person. Small contribution help whether taken has been duly
acknowledged and that complete has been written by me.

I understand the zero tolerance policy of the HEC and Abasyn University toward
plagiarism. Therefor I as an Author of the above titled thesis declared that no portion of my
thesis has been plagiarized and any material used as reference is properly referred/cited.

I undertake that if I am found guilty of any formal plagiarism in the above titled
thesis even after award of the BS degree, the Abasyn University reserve the rights to
withdraw/revoke BS degree and that HEC and the Abasyn University has the right to publish
my name on the HEC/University Website on which names of students are placed who
submitted plagiarism thesis.

Student Signature: ___________

Name: Naheed Ullah
 v

Dedication

This Thesis Dedicated To My Beloved Mother

 vi

Certificate of Approval

This is to certify that the research work persisted in this thesis; entitled “Pakistan-
Saudi Arabia Relations from Past to Present” was conducted by Mr. Naheed Ullah S/o Iqbal
Khan under the supervision of Mr. Muhammad Kazim.

No part of this thesis has been submitted anywhere else for any other degree. This
thesis is to the Department of Governance, Politics and Public Policy (GPP), in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor in Sciences in the Field of
International Relations.

Faculty of Management and Social Sciences

Abasyn University-Peshawar

Student Name: Naheed Ullah Signature: ___________

Examination Committee

a) External Examiner: Signature:____________

Dr. Raid Khan
Department of Political Science
Bacha Khan University – Charsadda

b) Internal Examiner: Signature:____________

Ms. Asma Dilawar
Department of Governance, Politics/IR and Public Policy (GPP)
Abasyn University- Peshawar

Supervisor Name: Mr. Muhammad Kazim Signature: ____________

Department of Governance, Politics/IR and Public Policy (GPP)
Abasyn University- Peshawar

Name of HOD: Prof. Dr. A. Z. Hilali Signature: ___________

Department of Governance, Politics/IR and Public Policy (GPP)
Abasyn University- Peshawar
 vii

List of Abbreviations

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations

BOI Board of Investment

CENTO Central Treaty Organization

CSS Chines Surface-to-Surface
ECO Economic Cooperation Organization
FATA Federally Administrated Tribal Areas
FII Future Investment Initiative
FTA Free Trade Agreement
GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GFP Global Fire Power
IIOJK Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
IMTC Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition
IS Islamic State
ISIS Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
ISPR Inter-Service Public Relations
IT Information Technology
JCC Junior Chamber of Commerce
JCPOA Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
KSA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
OIC Organization of Islamic Cooperation
OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
PAF Pakistan Air Force
PTA Preferential Trade Agreement

PBUH Peace Be Upon Him

PM Prime Minister
PN Pakistan navy
RCD Regional Cooperation and Development
 viii

RUSI Royal United Services Institution

RSLF Royal Saudi Land Forces
SEATO Southeast Asia Treaty Organization
UAE United Arab Emirate
US United States
USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republic
WOT Wheel of Transportation
 ix

Table of Contents
Title Page No.

Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................ii
Author’s Declaration.................................................................................................................iii
Declaration Regarding Plagiarism............................................................................................iv
Dedication..................................................................................................................................v
Certificate of Approval.............................................................................................................vi
List of Abbreviations...............................................................................................................vii
Chapter- 1.................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................1
1.2 Theoretical Framework..................................................................................................3
1.3 Literature Review...........................................................................................................4
1.4 Statement of the Problem...............................................................................................5
1.5 Aims and Objectives of the Study..................................................................................6
1.6 Research Questions........................................................................................................6
1.7 Justification of the Study................................................................................................6
1.8 Research Methodology...................................................................................................7
1.9 Organizational Structure of the Thesis...........................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9
Chapter-2................................................................................................................................10
Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations From Past to Present....................................................10
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................10
2.2 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Socio- Political Relations..................................................11
2.3 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Strategic Relations..................................................................12
2.4 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Socio-Economic Relations.....................................................14
2.5 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Cultural Relations...................................................................16
2.6 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Military Exercise....................................................................17
2.7 Saudi Arabia Nuclear Weapons Program....................................................................18
2.8 Pakistani Troops Deployment in Saudi Arabia............................................................19
References................................................................................................................................20
 x

Chapter -3...............................................................................................................................21
Pakistan’s Exertions of Reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia..........................21
3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................21
3.2 Iran- Saudi Arabia Rivalry...........................................................................................22
3.3 Iran- Saudi Arabia Relations and its Implication for Pakistan.....................................23
3.4 Pakistan Struggle for Reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.........................24
3.5 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations and Reservations of Iran.........................................25
3.6 Pakistan: A Theatre of Saudi-Iran Rivalry...................................................................26
3.7 Sectarian Repercussions for Pakistan...........................................................................27
3.8 Neutrality of Pakistan between Saudi Arabia and Iran Rivalry...................................28
3.9 Pakistan’s Role in Mediation between Iran-Saudi Enmity..........................................29
References................................................................................................................................31
Chapter-4................................................................................................................................32
Evolving Nature of Pak-Saudi Relationship........................................................................32
4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................32
4.2 Relationship More Than Strategic Partners.................................................................33
4.3 Strategic Foundation of Pak-Saudi Relations..............................................................34
4.4 Recent Developments in Pak-Saudi Relations.............................................................35
4.5 Political Engagement between Pakistan- Saudi Arabia...............................................36
4.6 Pak- Saudi Economic Cooperation..............................................................................37
4.7 Contemporary Phase of Pak-Saudi Relationship.........................................................38
4.8 Prospects of Pak-Saudi Relationship...........................................................................39
4.9 Pak-Gulf Defense and Security Cooperation...............................................................40
References................................................................................................................................42
Chapter-5................................................................................................................................43
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................43
5.1 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Education Links.......................................................................44
5.2 Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Trade Links..............................................................................45
Bibliography...........................................................................................................................46
 1

Chapter- 1
1.1 Introduction

Pakistan is situated on the crossroads of Asia, which uniquely positions the country at
the confluence of multiple regions of Asia, i.e., the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia
as well as the South Asian region. This interregional integration has led to the development of
a multiregional outlook in Pakistan’s foreign policy that has gradually become more
complex. This makes Pakistan’s foreign policy and diplomacy calculations more dynamic but
also stressful as it looks to maintain a fair balance in its relationship with different Middle
East countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran, while equally striving to protect its
economic, regional and national interests.

This has been particularly true in Pakistan’s interactions with Saudi Arabia, the Middle East
country, with which Pakistan shares deep historical, religious and cultural ties. Pakistan’s
relations with Saudi Arabia have evolved over time into multi-dimensional ties that are faced
with numerous challenges as well. Soon after its creation, Pakistan looked towards the South
west Asian countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, as a special area of interest because of
historical, cultural and religious factors. However, Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia did
not begin in a promising regional and international setting as Pakistan was looking for more
powerful allies in order to manage the existential security threats emanating from much larger
regional rival India.

In this regard, it was argued that Saudi Arabia along with other Muslim countries of the
Middle East or Persian Gulf region has given little importance to Pakistan’s ‘prestige in the
international field’ as they were ‘economically and otherwise in a far less stable position than
Pakistan itself. After its independence Pakistan’s foreign policy outlook gave primacy to its
relations with the US-led West. To this end, Pakistan’s membership of the US-backed
military alliances, particularly Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) was viewed with
suspicion by Saudi Arabia and the larger Arab world which had strong anti-West feelings due
to the US position on the Arab-Israel conflict. Riyadh was unable to appreciate Pakistan’s
unique security milieu and the two main pillars of the Arab political landscape of the time,
i.e. Nasser’s Egypt and Saudi Arabia, both disapproved of Pakistan’s Western leanings
Riyadh took a special note of that and urged Pakistan to ‘return to the right path’ describing
Islamabad’s tilt towards West as ‘a stab in the heart of Arab and Muslim world.
 2

Thus soon after the second world war the polarization of the planet emerged into capitalist
bloc led by United States and communist bloc led by Soviet Union. Both were the
expansionist powers and found that following the collapse of nearly all great powers had left
them with a unique opportunity to dominate the entire world unilaterally. In this context the
developments of indo-china and the Korean War convinced the United States that an
organization consisting of democratic states was necessary in order to check the advance of
communism in the region. So as a result eight western and Asian countries summoned a
conference  in manila, consequently a collective defense treaty was signed on september,9
1954 by US, France, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippine and Thailand this
treaty was named as Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).

Now this rivalry between US and Soviet Union created certain amount of space for countries
like Pakistan to acquire aid or assistance. US wanted to create friendly alliance with India but
Indians were not willing to openly ally themselves with US against Soviet Union. Now in this
context Pakistan from purely geographical perspective was far more important to the
attainment of this outcome. Pakistan after its independence had faced serious security and
economic problems and was more worried about its military situation. Now Pakistan decided
to co-operate with the US in her policy in order to achieve US military aid and assistance. 
Pakistan signed its first defense agreement with US on 9 may 1954. Now the next step to
become the US most allied Asian ally of Pakistan were its entries into SEATO and CENTO.

The situation was also complicated by the pro-India tilt in Saudi foreign policy during the
early years. Crown Prince Faisal, who was Prime Minister as well as Foreign Minister of
Saudi Arabia, visited New Delhi in May 1955. After that, King Saud personally visited New
Delhi during November-December 1955 for about two weeks, where he encouraged India to
play a leading role at the international level. Moreover, the King appreciated Prime Minister
Nehru and his government for their accommodative and generous attitude towards the
Muslims of India and proclaimed that the fate of Indian Muslims is in safe hands.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained religious, economic, social, and security ties for
the last 75 years. The two Islamic states established diplomatic relations shortly after Pakistan
emerged as an independent state and have remained friendly since then, though their relations
experienced occasional periods of strain. Strategic and economic cooperation between the
two states deepened as human capital requirements of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s need for
economic assistance brought the two countries closer. Continuity in their relations and the
 3

role both countries have played in the wider Islamic world has made this relationship a
special one. The two countries continue to regularly hold consultations at the highest political
level on regional and global security issues, while pursuing independent policies based on
their respective national interests.

Since 1960s, a number of factors pushed Pakistan and Saudi Arabia closer to each other.
Initially these new bonds were strengthened due to the growing role of Pakistan in Persian
Gulf security, and Pakistan’s attempt to seek new regional allies after the 1971 war with
India. During 1980s, Afghan war against the Soviet forces opened new avenues for
cooperation. Generous Saudi economic assistance allowed Pakistan to weather international
economic sanctions which were imposed after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Since then,
the two countries have maintained good relations which have endured various domestic
crises. Their relations have also survived geostrategic changes at the regional and the
international level. These include improvement in Saudi-Indian relations, the end of the Cold
War, and recent Iran related tensions.

1.2 Theoretical Framework

This research work studies explore and analyze the relationship between Pakistan and
Saudi Arab. The analysis in the study will be conducted in two dimensions to construct the
theoretical and epistemological basis. Firstly, this research work will explain the transitioning
dynamics of Pak-Saudi relations over the time and also discuss and analyze the impact of
changing relations on the preservation of national sovereignty. The theory of
(Interdependence) explains the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arab by focusing on the
equal level of mutuality of dependence of two states while conducting its relations with other
state. While formulating the foreign policy, if a state gains more control over the state B, then
state A assumes the assertive or controlling position over .The similar form of relation
explained in theory was held between Saudi Arab and Pakistan after the 1970’s Iranian
revolution and Afghan invasion by Russia till at present.

(Interdependence) theory is a social exchange theory which explains the phenomena of

interpersonal interdependence of the states. The prominent scholars of the interdependence
theory are (Harold Kelley, John Thibaut, Jaap De Wilde and Kurt Lewin). The theoretical
aspect is extended by Jaap De Wilde in his article, Interdependence Theory In 21st half of the
20th Century In the article he argues that in the concept of interdependence, that the ambition
and scope of a country’s foreign policy is mainly driven by the mutual dependence on other
 4

state. Moreover, he contends that the impact of interdependence keeps the relation positive
and alive between two states but if balance in outcome is disturbed then it can end the
continuity in the relations. In general he referred the interdependence to independent social
actors who desire to preserve their identity and sovereignty, but also structurally get affected
by one another’s behavior.

As guided by the Jaap De Wilde, the foreign relations of Saudi Arab and Pakistan can be
looked into by using the variable of mutual interest and international political system like
Afghan war, Iranian revolution, cold war era and post-cold war era and also the hegemonic
strategies of the Saudi Arab while conducting foreign relations with Pakistan. After
separating from India by making two nation theory a strong foundation, Pakistan soon seek
approval of Muslim States especially KSA. In this context the international system of seeking
powerful alliance to gain position in international world, Pakistan’s policy guided by seeking
support of major Muslim alliance and looked towards KSA. As both states are part of the
same system they are indirectly involved with the each other’s affairs.

1.3 Literature Review

Tin the Literature review the bilateral relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be
discussed in detail where using exploratory method this research will find out the
summarized bilateral relations of both countries so that comparisons can be drawn. Also, this
research will use literature review to understand the relations both countries such as Pakistan-
Saudi Arabia its impact on Middle East. Events on the relations of both countries the
Literature review have been divided in to subsections where first this research will explore
the relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and in the later part it will explore the role of
Pakistan between Iran and Saudi Arabia in a compact and comprehensive manner.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an unprecedented relationship, ready to help each other at
needed time and space. According to Madiha (2019) in her study “Saudi Arabia Hold on
Pakistan” also analysis the partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not limited to
economic cooperation and investment pledges. It is a commitment in all fields like political,
strategic, and military. Saudi Arabia is looking forward to greater military cooperation from
Pakistan, mainly owing to the looming threats in the Middle East. Pakistan and Saudi armed
forces collaborate at almost all levels, including military training through joint exercises and
drills.
 5

Apart from strengthening the existing ties, the 2019-visit of Crown Prince Mohammad
Bin Salman has opened many new and long-term avenues for Pak-Saudi relations
involving future generations. The foundation of this very relationship will help both
countries to reorient their strategic relations keeping in view the rapidly changing
geopolitical situation and new alliances in the making (Kamran, 2012).

In the other view the Pak-Saudi relations less touch by (Faisal, 2014) in his research on
“Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Strategic Relations: An Assessment” has explained, there is a dire
need to strengthen the existing bondage of the Pak-Saudi relationship under rapidly
changing regional and global geopolitical scenarios. Strategic relations need new approaches
and mechanisms which can supplement the traditional bondage. The steadiness and
perpetuity in the Pak-Saudi bilateralism must have wider institutional and people’s
participation as reinforcing factors. The evolving nature of the Pak-Saudi relationship
warrants a new dynamism and diversification through enhanced political engagement,
institutional collaborations, and diplomatic overtures. (Sinha ,1980) explained in her
research “Paki-Saudi Military Cooperation” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can continue
extending unwavering support to each other’s stance on global and regional issues besides
looking after the national interests of each other. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long been
close. The kingdom has helped bail out Pakistan’s economy at multiple points.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to acknowledge the unique position of
Pakistan in the Islamic world. Four years after the formation of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan signed the Treaty of Friendship. Saudi Arabia saw a partner in Pakistan which is
militarily powerful and has no interest in meddling with the regional affairs of the Middle
East and the Kingdom also had a fundamental base to accelerate the relationship because of
the shared identity of a nation driven and formed by an Islamic character.

The partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has grown over time and has remained to
be one of the strongest alliances in the Islamic world; rightly defined by the late King
Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud as ‘brothers’. The intent to further strengthen the
engagement is evident from the statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office after the
recent conversation between Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Saudi Arabian counterpart.
Since the 1960s, Pakistan has been contributing significantly to the security of Saudi Arabia
and has secured its interests in the region. Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia was vital
 6

because of the fact that Pakistan had an experienced military and the political class in
Pakistan never threatened the legitimacy of the Saudi royal family unlike several other Arab
neighbors in the region previously. By the late 1970s, Saudi Arabia had experienced an
economic boom associated with its oil wealth that demanded a large labor force.

Pakistan again catered to the requirements of Saudi Arabia since a large migration from
Pakistan took place during this timeframe that helped the Kingdom to expand its economy.
Saudi Arabia from the 1970s has also become an essential partner for the benefit of
Pakistan’s economy. The Kingdom, in the past five decades, has helped Pakistan
economically by pumping money in the form of investments and other financial aid and in
the recent past, this has helped Pakistan significantly to keep its economy afloat.

1.5 Aims and Objectives of the Study

Main objectives of this research are:

 To explain nature of Pakistan- Saudi Arabia relations from Past to Present;

 To analyze the Pak-Saudi relations after the 9/11 (2001); and
 To evaluate Pak-Saudi relations in order to socio-economic and strategic implications
on the Middle East.

1.6 Research Questions

 What is the nature of political, economic and strategic relations between Pakistan and
Saudi Arabia?
 What are the impact of regional security issues on the bilateral relations of both
countries?

1.7 Justification of the Study

There was always a positive sentiment for Saudi Arabia among the Pakistanis because
the Saudis were considered as the custodians of the holy places of Islam but it is only
relatively recently that Saudi Arabia has begun to occupy a significant role in Pakistani
foreign affairs. Though Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were both in the western camp in the
1950s and 1960s, Saudi Arabia was under the influence of Egyptian-sponsored Arab
nationalism, and formally protested Pakistan’s participation in the Baghdad Pact When Indian
Prime Minister Nehru made an official visit to Saudi Arabia in September 1956 the news was
received coolly in Pakistan. It is true that President Ayub Khan visited Saudi Arabia in 1960
 7

and Pakistan’s skilled workers gradually started pouring into Saudi Arabia for work From
the early 1970s onwards, particularly after the 1973 oil crisis, that Saudi Arabia came more
forcefully into the Pakistani foreign policy picture. Pakistan managed to host the second
Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore in 1974, while the Shah of Iran did not attend the
summit due to friction with the Saudis at the time.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia came even closer to each other during 1980s and onwards and
became most important strategic, political and economic partners in the region. Although
traditionally, strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were based on reciprocity,
whereby the Saudis’ oil and their heavy material aids have helped Pakistan in times of need,
in return Pakistan provided its military capabilities to help the custodians of the two Holy
Mosques achieve their military objectives. This affinity has usually been perceived negatively
by Iranian camp and added complexity in Pak-Iran relations.

1.8 Research Methodology

This research is based on qualitative and used empirical methods. The main focus is
on primary sources such as research paper, journals, articles, newspapers and different
websites. For secondary sources the research depends on books, documents and policy
papers. Qualitative research relies on amorphous and non-numerous data. The data includes
field notes written by researchers during their research i.e. Observations, interviews, and
questionnaires’, focus groups, participant’s observations; audio or video recording’s carried
out by the researcher in natural settings, documents of various kinds and even material
artifacts. This research work is qualitative it focuses on the relations of Pakistan- Saudi
Arabia its impact on middle how Pakistan play significant role between Iran- Saudi Arabia.

1.9 Organizational Structure of the Thesis

This thesis has been divided into following five chapters.

Chapter- 1: Introduction

This chapter is about and provided an overview of the area of the study. This follow
by the explaining includes, Statement of the Problems, Objectives of the study,
Research Questions, significant of the Study, Justification, Theoretical Framework,
Literature Review, Research methodology, references.
 8

Chapter- 2: Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations From Past to Present

This chapter elaborates us the strained relation of Pakistan- Saudi Arabia from Past to
Present. Their economic relations, military relations, are discussed, references.

Chapter- 3: Pakistan’s Exertions of Reconciliation between Iran- Saudi Arabia

This Chapter discussed the significant role of Pakistan between Iran- Saudi Arabia
also focused how Pakistan maintains the relations among Iran- Saudi, references.

Chapter- 4: Evolving Nature of Pak-Saudi Relationship

This chapter covers the Strategic partnership of between Pak- Saudi and recent
development between Pak-Saudi also touched the contemporary Pak-Saudi Relations,
references.

Chapter- 5: Conclusion

The whole discussion about Pak- Saudi Arabia Relations particularly socio-economic
and strategic relationship between the countries. The chapter analyze relations from
past to present and concluded with interdependence of both countries which is still
going on in the deepest level.
 9

References

Afzal, Madiha. (2019). “Saudi Arabia's hold on Pakistan,” Foreign Policy, Vol. 3, No. 2
(2019).

Ahmed, Naveed. (1998). “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations”, Pakistan Horizon, PP. 51-
67.1998.

Alam, Aftab. (2013). “An Economic Analysis of Pak–Saudi Trade Relations between 2000
and 2011,” American Journal of Research Communication, Vol. 1, No. 5, PP. 209-
218, 2013.

Faisal, M. (2014). “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Relations: An Assessment,” CISS

Insight: Quarterly News & Views, Vol. 2, No. 3, PP. 23-37, 2014.

Izetbegovic, A. (1990). “The Islamic Declaration: A Program for Islamization of Muslims

and the Muslim Peoples,” Sarajevo, 1990.

Jaab De, Wilde. (1991). “Saved from Oblivion: Interdependence Theory in the First Half of
the Twentieth Century: A Study on the Causality between War and Complex
Interdependence,” Dartmouth, PP. 16-17.1991.

Kamran, S. (2012). “Report of the Senate Committee on Defense and Defense Production,”
Islamabad: Senate Secretariat.

Kamran, S. (2013). “Pakistan and the Gulf Region: Historical Perspective and Future
Trends,” Center for Pakistan and Gulf Studies, Rawalpindi Press Club.

Sevea, Singh. (2018). “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: The US$6 Billion Loan”, Institute of
South Asian Studies, Quarterly Briefing, Vol. 3, (2018).

Sial, S. (2015). “Emerging Dynamics in Pakistani-Saudi Relations,” Norwegian Peace

Building Resource Centre, Norway, 2015.

Sinha, P. B. (1980). “Pak-Saudi Military Cooperation,” Strategic Analysis, Vol. 4, No. 8, PP.
357-361, 1980.

William, O. E. (2016). “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations”, Embassy of Pakistan at Kingdom

of Saudi Arabia, 2016.
 10

Chapter-2
Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations From Past to Present

2.1 Introduction

Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to acknowledge the unique position of
Pakistan in the Islamic world. Four years after the formation of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan signed the Treaty of Friendship. Saudi Arabia saw a partner in Pakistan which is
militarily powerful and has no interest in meddling with the regional affairs of the Middle
East and the Kingdom also had a fundamental base to accelerate the relationship because of
the shared identity of a nation driven and formed by an Islamic character. The partnership
between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has grown over time and has remained to be one of the
strongest alliances in the Islamic world.

The strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is another vital element in their
bilateral relationship. Pakistan, being a nuclear power, has been seen as a powerful partner to
address the strategic concerns of Saudi Arabia in the form of a possible nuclear threat from
Iran. Although Pakistan conventionally has maintained a neutral position with respect to the
rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, several pieces of evidence suggest that Pakistan
has leaned closer to the Kingdom possibly because of the transactional relationship between
both the countries (Hussain, 2008).

Wahhabism flourished in Pakistan over time and the role of Saudi Arabia in perpetuating the
conservative Islamic thought in an innately diverse country like Pakistan affirms the socio-
cultural paradigm of the relationship between both countries. Pakistani society initially saw
Islam in Saudi Arabia as different from that of their own and a general consensus on Wahhabi
Islam to be purer and unadulterated further helped Saudi Arabia to have a strong influence in
Pakistan. The fact that the two holy mosques are situated in the Kingdom and Saudi Arabia is
the birthplace of Islam further caters to that narrative. A large section of the Pakistani society
now adheres to the Wahhabi thought and the reflection of that conformation and religious
appropriation of Wahhabism is apparent in Pakistani society by and large. It is also a fact that
people like Zia-ul-Haq have used the extreme derivations of Wahhabism and
have perpetuated it to gain political legitimacy which during his tenure significantly impacted
the manner in which Pakistani society was molded.
 11

Pakistan has enjoyed warm relations with Saudi Arabia since the birth of the country in 1947.
The relations are rooted in the centuries old religious, cultural and commercial links between
the two peoples. The relationship is also based on shared Islamic ideals. Pakistan is the only
state founded on Islamic identity while Saudi Arabia is the birth place of the Prophet (PBUH)
and home to the two holiest sites of Islam. Quran and Sunnah play a significant role in the
constitutional framework of the both countries (Shah, 2004).

A Treaty of Friendship was signed by the two countries as early as in 1951, laying the basis
for cooperation. Bilateral relations were buttressed over the coming decades by a tradition of
strong financial and strategic assistance extended to each other by the two brotherly countries
whenever required. Over the years, the two countries have also succeeded in developing a
unique synergy for mutual development. Saudi Arabia is home to the largest number of
Pakistani expatriates, approximately two million. Pakistani engineers, construction experts
and labour have played a crucial role in building infrastructure in the modern Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, Pakistani doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs, academics and financial experts played a
premier role in developing institutional infrastructure of the Kingdom. In the process, the
Kingdom has provided employment to Pakistanis ranging from high-tech urban professionals
to unskilled laborers from the remotest parts of Pakistan. The large pool of Pakistani
professionals and skilled and unskilled manpower is a great asset for the Kingdom (Bishku,
1992).

2.2 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Socio- Political Relations

Strategic context and Political Relations Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan were established soon after Pakistan emerged as an independent state in 1947. In
1951 both countries concluded a ‘Treaty of Friendship’ which laid the foundation for a wide-
ranging strategic, political, military and economic cooperation in coming decades. Political
relations between the two nations got a boost with the visit of King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz to
Pakistan in 1954. The lasting landmark of that visit is a township in Karachi called
‘Saudabad’ which was established with Saudi aid and named after the visiting king. In the
same year both countries also held extensive consultations on regional security. Pakistan was
contemplating entry into the regional security alliance known as Baghdad Pact (Qamar,
1991).

Saudi Arabia, like other Arab nations was apprehensive of this US backed regional pact
because it considered it an attempt to divide the then unified Arab world. Saudi Arabia
 12

however, supported Pakistan’s decision, as it understood that Pakistan sought security against
its larger rival, India. King Saud in a letter to Ghulam Muhammad, Governor General of
Pakistan (then Head of the State), in June 1954, went on to say, we will be happy if Pakistan
will be stronger no doubt. Pakistan’s strength is our strength and if the Jews attack on the
holy land then Pakistan will be in the front of the defenders of the Haramain, the two holiest
sites for Muslims in Mecca and Medina as it were promised.” But once Pakistan signed the
Baghdad Pact in 1955, Saudi embassy in Pakistan, in a press release, in September 1955,
termed it a stab in the heart of the Arab and Muslim states and called on Pakistan to withdraw
from the pact (Burke, 2018).

President Ayub Khan in his visit to Saudi Arabia in 1960 opened a new chapter in the bilateral
relations as strategic interests of both nations had by then gradually converged. Saudi Arabia
invited skilled and unskilled manpower from Pakistan, as its increasing oil wealth had created
employment opportunities in construction industry and other sectors for which additional
workers were needed. This growing need of human capital in Saudi Arabia mitigated the
impact of Pakistan’s close alignment with the West. Thus when in 1965 war broke out
between India and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia was one of the leading nations who supported
Pakistan morally and materially. Crises in Egypt and Yemen in the early 1960s brought to
fore limitations of Saudi military forces. Saudi Arabia then sought Pakistan’s assistance in
bolstering its defense forces (Burke, 1990).

2.3 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Strategic Relations

Starting from their first bilateral defense pact Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have
remained steadfast military allies. Saudi Arabia’s defense needs, in the 1960's, led it to
establish comprehensive relations with Pakistan. In the subsequent decades, these relations
further matured and deepened manifold. During 1960s strategic interests of both nations
became aligned after instability in the Middle East increased. Arab-Israel war of 1967 and
military battles on border with South Yemen highlighted the shortcomings of Saudi Arabian
security forces. Pakistan had a large standing professional army that had successfully
engaged a much bigger enemy in 1965 (Mason, 2018).

Saudi Arabia had a small conventional military force which lacked necessary capabilities to
cope with emerging challenges of internal and external security. Being a Muslim nation,
Saudi Arabia began to look up to Pakistan as a natural choice for providing training and other
professional assistance to its military forces. In August 1967, following Arab-Israeli war, a
 13

high powered Saudi delegation led by Minister for Defense and Aviation visited Pakistan.
After in-depth talks an agreement for technical cooperation in the fields of defense and civil
aviation was concluded. This agreement focused on military training and bilateral exchanges
of military advisors. Since then Pakistan has opened its military training facilities for Saudi
defense personnel. Moreover, military officers from Pakistan were sent to the Kingdom for
raising and training the Royal Army and Air Force (Saddiqa, 2004).

According to official record more than 8255 members of Saudi defense forces have received
training in Pakistan since 1967 During Saudi Arabia’s border tensions with South Yemen in
1969, some Pakistani pilots reportedly flew fighter aircraft of Royal Saudi Air Force and
provided air support to Royal army. Similarly, pilots of Pakistan air force flew war planes
during 1973 Arab-Israeli war and in other skirmishes on Saudi borders. A battalion of
Pakistani troops was also positioned along the Saudi frontier with Yemen. Moreover, around
15,000 regular troops of Pakistan army were stationed in Saudi Arabia during 1970s and
close to brigade strength of combat troops were placed close to Israeli-Saudi-Jordanian
border during the period. Pakistani military presence in the Kingdom further increased in the
1980s after Saudi Arabia requested assistance for enhanced military assistance.

Protocol Agreement’ was concluded for Deputation of Pakistan Armed Forces Personnel and
Military Training’ in December 1982. Then two divisions around 20,000 troops of Pakistan
army were stationed in different regions of the Kingdom to ensure security. One armored
brigade was deployed in Tabook from 1982 to 1988. Most of Pakistani military units were
however deployed in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province where most of Kingdom’s oil fields
were located. This was done to ensure security of oil fields and mitigate threats of internal
uprisings fueled by suspected Iranian revolutionaries. Some units of Pakistan Air Force
(PAF) contingent were also deployed in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s. PAF was stationed
on the northern shores of the Gulf coast in the areas between the oil fields and head of the
Gulf where Iraq and Iran were locked in a military stalemate after months of fighting
(Quamar, 2018).

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long maintained a strong strategic relationship. The Saudi-
Pakistani relationship is a vast and dynamic web of cooperative linkages, age-old bonds of
friendship. The two countries work together extensively at the international level, within the
framework of several bilateral, regional and global organizations including the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter of oil and petroleum
 14

products to Pakistan, while Saudi Arabia has been a key market for Pakistani goods and
services. Saudi Arabia, which hosts 1.9 million Pakistanis, tops the list of countries with
highest remittances to Pakistan over $4.5 billion annually.

Pakistan has traditionally maintained that its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia is its most important diplomatic relationship According to the annual GFP
Global Fire Power review; Pakistan is currently ranked 13 out of 133 countries on the list of
military strength. With one of the largest armies in the world and as the only declared nuclear
power in the Muslim world, Pakistan has maintained a unique position and works closely
with Saudi Arabia. Pakistani military personnel frequently serve in Saudi Arabia and its last
army chief, General Raheel Sharif, now heads an Islamic army coalition based out of Riyadh
The Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations agency said on February 17, 2018, that a
contingent of troops will be stationed in Saudi Arabia on a “training and advisory mission
The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Arabia's Ambassador, Nawaf Saeed
Al-Maliki, and Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters
Rawalpindi (Mason, 2018).

2.4 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Socio-Economic Relations

In addition to strong strategic and diplomatic ties the two countries have maintained
good economic relations. Pakistan has received generous economic and financial assistance
from Saudi Arabia, at times of crises, in the last four decades. Pakistan has been a major
recipient of Saudi economic assistance from early 1970s. From 1973-1980 Pakistan received
$502 million as loan at critical junctures. For example in 1979-80, as Pakistan was struggling
to meet its international financial obligations, Saudi Arabia provided special assistance of
$200 million. As noted before the Kingdom had also provided financial support for Afghan
jihad which was disbursed through Pakistan, and also pledged economic support for stability
of Pakistan (Alam, 1991).

In 1998 international community imposed economic sanctions against Pakistan after it

conducted nuclear tests. In those critical times Saudi Arabia once again helped Pakistan by
providing free oil facility for four years till 2003. For first two years 80,000 barrels per day
were provided, while 40,000 barrels per day were provided for the remaining period. This
facility was worth $3.4 billion and accounted for 23 percent of Pakistan’s oil imports. This
facility helped stabilize Pakistan balance of payment crisis as well.
 15

After the devastating earthquake in northern Pakistan, Saudi Arabia came forward and
announced an aid package of $573 million for relief and rehabilitation efforts of the
effectives. Saudi Arabia in fact institutionalized its assistance by establishing an organization
called, ‘Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims. After major floods in
2010, the Kingdom announced aid package of $105 million51 and became the largest
international donor to Pakistan, enabling it to meet the challenges caused by this
humanitarian disaster.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has deposited cash with State Bank of Pakistan to stabilize
Pakistan’s depleting foreign currency reserves and depreciating rupee. In 2009, Saudi Arabia
had placed $200 million in State Bank of Pakistan in order to support the Pakistani rupee. In
March 2014, again, Saudi Arabia deposited $1.5 billion with State Bank of Pakistan. In
tandem with these financial bailouts the Kingdom has also provided various soft loans over
the years. In 2009, a credit of $100 million was provided to import urea fertilizer from the
Kingdom. Similarly, for assisting construction work on Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project
a soft loan of $80 million was also announced.

In economic cooperation, Saudi Arabia has been a great source to appendage Pakistan's
economy. Many Pakistani expatriates are employed in the Kingdom. They play two roles;
first, they contribute to the development of the host country. Secondly, they take part in the
economic development of Pakistan by sending remittances back home, which reasonably
reduces pressure on the job market of Pakistan. Since the 1960s, Pakistan human resource has
started pouring in Saudi Arabia. The estimated numbers of Pakistani expatriates in the
Kingdom are more than 2.7 million. They work in almost all fields of economy, such as
construction, medical, engineering, academics, and the IT sector. Saudi Arabia hired the
services of over 1000 highly professional doctors from Pakistan in 2012 alone. Saudi
authorities considered Pakistani doctors and paramedics as highly professional in their job
with dedication.

The people in Saudi Arabia feel very comfortable with doctors from Pakistan because of their
cultural and historical background.” The Saudi government has employed thousands of
Pakistani nationals as engineers, IT experts, academics, doctors, and high-level executives
besides laborers. In an analysis of the Royal United Services, Institute for Defense and
Security Studies, Pak-Saudi bilateral trade in the first half of the 21st century (2002 to 2012)
has been over $30 billion and from 2012 to 2013, trade exchange between both countries
 16

remained $5 billion. In the past decade, Saudi Arabia had financially assisted Pakistan
without direct commercial interests. It supported Pakistan through direct funding of $1.5
billion in March 2014, an immense boost for Pakistan’s economy besides reinforcing “the
country’s falling foreign currency reserves.

Financial experts like Sakib Sherani, former Chief Economist, advocated putting Pakistan’s
economy through reforms since foreign funding may provide momentary sustenance. Later in
2018, Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan through a bailout package of $3 billion as the balance of
payments and another $3 billion as deferred payments on oil imports. Pakistan’s import of
crude oil from Saudi Arabia is over 110,000 barrels per day. In October 2018, on the
sidelines of the annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, both countries signed
several agreements for financial cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Future Investment Initiative Conference provided unique opportunities for the economic
cooperation of all developing states. Prime Minister Imran Khan illuminated the conference
about the unusual economic situation facing the developing countries. Through this
conference, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salam projected his Vision-2030 aimed at
diversification of Saudi economy away from the traditional oil-based approach. Later in
2020, the Saudi government abruptly stopped the supply of crude oil based on deferred
payments and demanded the return of $3 billion it had deposited as a balance of payments
support to Pakistan’s economy.

This abrupt change in the attitude of Saudi Arabia was unexpected for Pakistan. Pakistan has
a plan for developing an oil city at Gwadar. In this regard, the Saudi government has decided
to invest in establishing an oil refinery at Gwadar. It was announced during the visit of
Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman to Pakistan, and Saudi experts also visited the site for
its feasibility. Likewise, a task force was constituted by the Pakistan government, whose
recommendations had already been approved as a foreign-funded project. This project, if
materialized, will reduce the expenditures Pakistan spends on oil imports. Pakistan also
sought Saudi support for investment in areas like tourism, coal and gas exploration and IT to
which Kingdom has shown interest (Orkaby, 2014).

2.5 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Cultural Relations

Saudi Arabia has also provided extensive religious and educational aid to Pakistan,
being a major contributor to the construction of mosques and madrassas, religious schools
 17

across Pakistan, including the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, named after King Faisal of Saudi

Arabia. Since 1980, the number of religious schools increased from 800 to 27000 in 1997 and
all are funded by Saudi Arabia. The schools serve as nurseries for teenagers and younger
children giving religious and moral education) from Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran,
Russia, Yemen.

Since 1947, the political parties have been receiving funding for their political activities in
the country. The major Pakistani city of Lyallpur was also renamed Faisalabad in honour of
King Faisal in 1977. Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for immigration amongst
Pakistanis, the number of whom living in Saudi Arabia stands between 900,000 and 1 million
Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia was a major supporter of the "Islamisation" program
of the military ruler Gen. Zia-ul-Haq in the 1970s. In 2006, King Abdullah of Saudi
Arabia was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian decoration of Pakistan
(Rizvi, 1989).

2.6 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Military Exercise

The Joint Gulf Shield military exercise, which was organized by Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Defense, lasted for a month. Tens of thousands of soldiers from 23 countries
arrived in the Kingdom to join the exercise, which is considered the largest in the region in
terms of the number of participating countries and the equipment used. The exercise aims to
raise military readiness in the region, modernize joint mechanisms and enhance coordination
and cooperation with joint military and security integration.

Pakistan was the leading contributor in the Exercise, both in personnel and assets, which are
reflective of strong bilateral defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Saudi
Arabia has becoming increasingly militarized under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,
ramping up military spending, leading a military expedition in Yemen and increasing large-
scale parades and training. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share strong military ties.
Pakistan is one of the 41 members of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism
Coalition (IMCTC) that is being headed by Pakistan's former army chief, the retired Gen
Raheel Sharif. Saudi military is well-equipped with advanced European and American arms,
but the kingdom’s combat forces are not experienced and preform with limited success in the
war against the Houthis in Yeme (Mason, 2018). Saudi Arabia hopes that the Pakistani Army
would support to upgrade their ground forces operational capabilities. Saudi Arabia had after
the start of offensive against Houthi militia in Yemen 2015 asked Pakistan for troop’s
 18

deployment. However, due to domestic pressure the Pakistani government did not then
commit any troops for Yemen war.

The Saudi request was then politely declined on the pretext of military’s extensive
involvement in Operation Zarb-i-Azb against Islamic militants in Pakistan. Pakistan has
declared its neutrality in the conflict between Riyadh and Tehran, but in reality Islamabad is
picking the Saudi side in the conflict. Thousands of Pakistani troops will be deployed in 2018
to Saudi Arabia to help train and advise the kingdom's military, but the decision has led to a
backlash in Pakistan with many fearing mission creep Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have
commenced a joint military exercise in the south Asian country, the official Saudi Press
Agency reported on Monday. Called al-Samsam 8 the military exercise between the Royal
Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and Pakistan Army, reportedly kicked off with a ceremony at
the Counter-Terrorism Training Center in Pakistan. (Shah, 1995).

2.7 Saudi Arabia Nuclear Weapons Programme

Saudi Arabia has long aspired to achieve nuclear capacity of its own, in order to
counter Iran's atomic ambitions. Saudi Arabia has not hidden its ambition, openly stating to
the US as early as 2009 that it would also seek capacity if Iran crossed the threshold. In May
2012, former senior US diplomat confirmed for the first time that Saudi Arabia’s King
Abdullah explicitly warned that if Iran obtains nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would seek to
do so as well. Saudi Arabia has had missiles capable to deliver warheads since the late 1980s.
In the late 80’s Saudi Arabia has secretly bought dozens of CSS-2 ballistic missiles from
China. The warhead of the missile can be nuclear or conventional, and the range is 3,000 km.

The estimate in 2017 was that Saudi Arabia has fewer than 50 missiles CSS-2. In summer
2013 it has been reported that a new Saudi CSS-2 base with missile launch rails was
completed. Saudi Arabia has little nuclear infrastructure of its own and it could rely on its
close ally, Pakistan, that has a history of proliferating nuclear technology and equipment.
Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support to Pakistan that enabled the nuclear
program to continue, especially when the country was under sanctions. For example, in the
early 1970’s Pakistan received 2.5 billion USD, mainly from Libya and Saudi Arabia, to
support their nuclear program Saudi cooperation with nuclear power Pakistan has been a
source of speculations about the kingdom’s ambition. It has long been rumored, that in return
for bankrolling the Pakistani nuclear weapons project, Saudi Arabia has a claim on some of
those weapons in time of need (Kenner, 2018).
 19

2.8 Pakistani Troops Deployment in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has recently announced that it is sending troops to Saudi Arabia on a training
and advice mission, without specifying the exact number of soldiers and the role the soldiers
will play there are already 1,379 Pakistani servicemen deployed in Saudi Arabia, most of
them are from Pakistan Army, along with a few Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy
(PN) officials, according to security sources. Pakistan Army announced the deployment
decision after a meeting between Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Saudi
Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed al-Maliki at the army headquarters in the eastern
Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on February 15, 2018.

It came after General Bajwa paid a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia earlier in February 2018
and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Commander of Ground Forces
Lieutenant General Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdul aziz Some sources claimed that the
Pakistan army is sending a brigade of combat troops to shore up Saudi Arabia’s vulnerable
southern border from reprisal attacks mounted by the Houthis in Yemen. The brigade will be
based in the south of the Kingdom, but will only be deployed inside its border Saudi Arabia
has been pushing Pakistan since 2015 to take part in the Saudi led coalition's military
campaign against the Houthis in Yemen (Mason, 2018).

Pakistan’s parliament, however, has decided against the deployment of Pakistani forces to
avoid backlash from sizeable Pakistani Shia Muslim community (about 20% of the Pakistani
population) and deterioration in relations with neighboring Iran, which is supporting the
Houthis in Yemen. The current policy shift comes as former Pakistan Army chief, General
Raheel Sharif, is the current head of the so-called Islamic Military Counter Terrorism
Coalition (IMCTC), which is based in Riyadh. Sharif has already won Bin Salman's trust and
convinced Pakistani military officials to further expand military ties with Saudi Arabia.
 20

References

Ali, Khurram. (2014). “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: Defense, Dependence, and Deterrence”,
The Middle East Journal, 68(2), PP. 211-228.

Bishku, B. (1992). “In Search of Identity and Security: Pakistan and the Middle East 1947 to
1977,” Conflict Quarterly, Vol - 12, No. 3 (1992): PP. 30- 51 (35).

Burke, S. M. (1990). Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: An Historical Analysis. Karachi: Oxford

University Press.

Kenner, David. (2013). “Saudi Arabia’s Shadow War,” Foreign Policy, November 6, 2013.

Mason, Robert. (2018). “Saudi Arabia’s Relations with South East Asia,” in Saudi Arabian
Foreign Policy: Conflict and Cooperation. London: I. B. Tauris.

Orkaby, Aviad. (2014). “The International History of the Yemen Civil War, 1962-68
PhD Thesis. Harvard University, Cambridge, 2014, PP. 98-99.

Qamar, Nadim. (1991). “Pakistan and the Persian Gulf”. Carlisle: US Army War College,
1991, P. 24.

Quamar, Muddassir. (2018). “Indo-Saudi Relations: Emerging Strategic Dimensions”, King

Fahd Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Riyadh, 2018, P. 9.

Rana, M. A. (2015). “Yemen Conflict: Neutrality No Longer an option for Pakistan”, Dawn,
March 13th, 2015.

Rizvi, Mujtaba. (1981). “Pak-Saudi Arabian Relations: An Example of Entente Cordiale,”

Pakistan Horizon 34, No. 1 (1981):P. 82.

Siddiqa, Ayesha. (1990). Development of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: Case Study of the Gulf
Crisis”, Lahore: Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency,
2004.

Syed, M. H. Shah. (1995). “Pakistan and the Middle East (1971-77),” Pakistan Journal of
History and Culture, XVI, No. 2A (1995): P. 669.
 21

Chapter -3
Pakistan’s Exertions of Reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia

3.1 Introduction

Pakistan marks a history of good relations with Iran as a neighbor and Saudi Arabia as
long time tested friend. Iran became the first state to officially recognize Pakistan whereas
Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally of Pakistan. Iran and Saudi Arabia both are very important in
the Middle Eastern region. Their bilateral relations never seemed to be normal especially
after the Islamic revolution of 1979. The two states reached at the verge of rivalry where the
friend of one is perceived as the enemy of other and are stuck in a zero-sum game.
Meanwhile Pakistan is trying hard to maintain a balance in pursuing foreign policy with both
rivals.

It can be explained better under the theory of Conflict Management, which determines to
control a conflict by understanding its nature and preventing it from further prolonging. The
different tools, which can be used for conflict management, are negotiations, facilitation, and
mediation by a third state to melt the ice between the states that are not even on talking terms.
Since, Pakistan is considered to have close ties with both Middle Eastern rivals it can play a
very crucial role between these two Muslim states in the same region with bitter rivalry.
Many papers have been published on the nature of rivalry between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA) and Iran but only a few examined their implications for Pakistan, which is like a
sandwich and always struggling to adopt a balanced approach (Warriach, 2016).

Most scholars distinguish Saudi-Iranian contention in the Middle East and its overflow into
Pakistan as one of the fundamental purposes behind the ascent of this ace in Pakistan. In the
event that Pakistan can assume a job in decreasing Saudi-Iranian pressures, it could likewise
advance partisan congruity in Pakistan. Then again, a choice to favor either side would
produce dishonesty a societal pressures in the nation. Much greater risk for Pakistan is
financial. Pakistan is accepted to be on the cusp of a financial turnaround. Aided by GDP
development rate, increment in outside settlements and lower oil costs, the economy has
made some great walks lately.
 22

3.2 Iran- Saudi Arabia Rivalry

Saudi Arabia and Iran are carrying centuries old national cultural and religious
superiority and view each other as an enemy. Furthermore both have been struggling for the
Muslim World leadership but ethnic as well as ideological differences make clashes between
them. Currently Iran and Saudi Arabia’s rivalry is the power struggle in Middle East to
become the leader of the Muslim world. The 21st century transformed the paradigms of
conflict between the both countries into an ever growing quest for power in the regional
hegemony. Despite historical difference of Arab and Ajam, before Islamic revolution in Iran,
their relations were somehow good and they worked for regional stability and peace more or
less. At that, time of peace both were monarchs and US alliances was a major reason behind
good relations (Shanker, 2016).

Saudi Arabia’s rhetoric in the Muslim world is most acceptable because it is the guardian of
the Holy Mosques of Mecca and Madina. In 1736, Safavids successfully got control of Persia
from Mongols where Shi’ism became the religion of the state. Later in 1920’s Qajar dynasty
was overthrown by Reza Khan who seemed to be inspired by Kamal Ataturk’s secular
Turkey. The formation of a central government Reza Khan was perceived a threat by Arabs
and struggle for regional hegemony was at peak between them. Later shah annexed the
Khuzistan with Iran, which was the matter of great concern for Saudi king Abdul Aziz. Later
on, Reza shah Pahlavi’s son replaced him and new shah tried to established good relations
with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia felt alarming by the involvement of Iran in Baghdad Pact in 1955. But, both
states started a period of better bilateral terms for relatively larger gains. King Faisal’s
accession had marked a fresh history of good relations with positive developments in the
region till the Iranian revolution. Both monarchs had good ties with west and were getting
support by US president “Twin Pillar” strategy. (Khan, 2001).

After the Iranian revolution in 1979 substantial events took place as Reza shah Phalavi was
overthrown by Islamists and Ayatollah Khomeini established new Islamic republic. After
Islamic revolution, Iran adopted a policy to spread out the ideology of revolution in Persian
Gulf and made a call of “End of Monarchy” along with anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
Hence, the overthrow of monarchy was also disturbing for Saudi Arabia and it perceived the
revolutionary call as a threat. Gulf monarchical regimes got annoyed with Iran and decided to
isolate it diplomatically. Consequently, two regimes were established with growing enmity
 23

and different ideologies. Post Iranian revolution marked a new phase of cold relations
between both the states where they never indulged in direct wars but the nature of tensions
was similar to the Cold War between US and Soviet Union.

Vali Nasr writes that consequently “The band of radical Islam that began spreading across
Central Asia and the Caucasus in the 1990s was radicalism born of the deliberate Saudi
policy of containing Iran” (Nasr, 2006). Shah of Iran was under much influence of the west,
which changed the Iranian society secular. Later Imam Khomeini became the supreme leader
of Iran because he led the revolutionary thoughts in Iran and spread these ideas in Iranian
society through his great leadership skills. He started disobedience towards western policies

The decline of Ottoman Empire, Iranian revolution, the US incursion of Iraq and Arab
uprising since 2011 are the important events that increased rivalry between Saudi Arabia and
Iran. The aim of both the states is attracting global economy and creating influence in Persian
Gulf. (Calvocrecci, 2001).

3.3 Iran- Saudi Arabia Relations and its Implication for Pakistan

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has created a division not only in the
Middle East but it has also created a far greater impact for the other Muslim countries as well.
Pakistan is one that state which always tried to remain neutral and develop cordial ties with
both rivals although it had been a toughest job under the political dynamics of the region of
Middle East particularly KSA and Iran. Iran and Pakistan have friendly ties on the basis of
culture, religion and most importantly geographic proximity (Sattar, 2013).

The important pillar of strengthening ties was signing defense pact of CENTO. Later
Regional Cooperation and Development (RCD) brought both states even more closely. Iran
extended its great support during Indo-Pak wars (1965, 1971). During the war between Iran
and Iraq, Pakistan refused to support Iraq as it could hamper their bilateral relations. Saudi
Arabia also provided Pakistan great help during war with India and always stands with
Pakistan in the hour of need.

Despite Pakistan’s utmost efforts, striking a balance between both states is not an easy task
because of the nature of animosity and rivalry of their relations. Pakistan shares immediate
border with Iran and contains second highest Shia population after Iran. Bringing Iran to the
point of disagreement can provoke sectarian violence in Pakistan something, which is not
affordable for Pakistan because of its own geo-economic factors.
 24

After Iranian Islamic revolutions, the relations between Iran and US got intensified.
However, Pakistan became an ally of US during Afghan war. Saudi Arabia and US nexus
adds more difficulties for Pakistan because both have bitter relations with Iran. After the
disintegration of USSR, both Pakistan and Iran had different opinions over the establishment
of new government in Afghanistan. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia started supporting different
groups in Afghanistan, which provoked alarming situation for Pakistan that was already
hosting five million refugees. On the other hand, under the war on terror, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia became an ally of Washington (Alhasan, 2019).

3.4 Pakistan Struggle for Reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia

Despite all challenges and difficulties, Pakistan is trying to facilitate both regional
allies. Strategically Pakistan can play a vital role in the regional issues, as being a nuclear
power is another advantage, which raises the bar of Pakistan high. On the other side, Pakistan
has deteriorating economy and its in dire need of economic aid. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
share a notable economic relation and have a skewed trade balance. 2.5 million Pakistanis are
working in Saudi Arabia and sending notable amount to Pakistan as a remittance. According
to US trade statistics in 2016, Saudi Arabia imports with Pakistan in term of textile, food like
rice, meat and vegetables is about 390$ million. Another 26% is added for furniture and
leather. Therefore, it is in favour of Pakistan to take initiative of reconciliation between Iran
and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan can play important role for creation of regionalism in Middle
East, which is only possible when Iran and Saudi Arabia have good relations (Shabbir, 2014).

Regional organizations like Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, GCC
and ECO can also play a supportive role. In 2014, PM Nawaz Sharif visited Iran after 16
years. The aim of this visit was to endorse bilateral relations and exchange of views over
regional hegemony (Ghoshal, 2015). Iranian foreign minister stated in a talk in Islamabad
“We are ready to work with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on every bilateral and
multilateral issue. He said that we know that we cannot exclude Saudi Arabia from this
region and it’s important for them to also understand this.

We need to have a reciprocal understanding that excluding one another from the region is not
an option. If Saudi Arabia faces any aggression, Iran will be the first to come to their
assistance. We believe the security of our neighbors is our security. Stability within our
neighborhood is our stability” (Public Talk, 2018). Over Yemen conflict, Pakistan’s
parliament decided to remain neutral and not to deploy forces through a resolution. Reaction
 25

by the Persian Gulf countries was harsh especially Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and
Bahrain. However, relations became strengthened again during the last couple of years as
new Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman decided to improve bilateral relations with
Pakistan. There are some major reasons behind this approach; most important amongst all is
Pakistan’s domestic military support to Saudi Arab and other Gulf states. Pakistan deployed
some troops in 2018. On the nature of deployment, ISPR said that “These troops will not be
employed outside Saudi Arabia. Pak Army maintains bilateral security cooperation with
many other GCC countries (Syed, 2018). Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh handed over
his power to Abdrabbuh Mansoor Hadi after Arab uprisings. However, in 2015, Houthis
captured the capital city of Sanaa and Aden was deposed. Since then an eight nation coalition
started bombing using Saudi Land to counter Iranian influence in the region (Khan, 2019).

3.5 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Relations and Reservations of Iran

For many years, Pakistan has been avoiding, taking one side between Saudi and Iran
enmity, and now it seems that this would not endure in near future. Pakistan with its unsteady
economy is in dire necessity of aid and loans from its friends and Saudi Arabia is not less
than a best option. But the strings attached should not be ignored. Recently, in his visit to
Pakistan, Muhammad bin Salman pledged $20 billion investment in Pakistan for
strengthening economic conditions. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan has also reacted on this
event that this investment from Saudi side is totally an internal matter of Pakistan, but, on the
other hand, Iran has some genuine reservations regarding Baluchistan issue. Iran has been
blaming Arab Persian Gulf states that they have been backing different insurgencies in its
border region. It is needed that, Pakistani government should not ignore the infiltration of
Balouch insurgents into Iran and should take immediate measures to mitigate this problem.
Iran is tolerating Pakistan’s friendly behavior with Saudi government, but it could only be
continued as how Islamabad takes the issue of Baluchistan (Warriach, 2016).

Pakistan with its economic integration plans with China through CPEC has been a hot topic
since last decade. Pakistan has also invited Saudi Arabian government to participate in CPEC
however, Riyadh’s investment in western Baluchistan province bordering Iran and
Afghanistan, could displease Tehran. Saudi Arabia is one of the allies of the United States as
well, and its involvement in a Chinese led program, shows great changes in the geopolitical
arrangements. Because it is a fact, that Iran would not want Saudi Arabia on its border at any
cost. If Pakistan’s government allows active Participation of Saudi government in the area of
 26

Chahbahar, it would certainly result in sectarian crises backed by Iran. Yemen crisis in
Middle East is one of the most important issues that have implications for Pakistan as well.
Involvement of Saudi Arabia in this crisis has set a dangerous precedence in international
politics (Yousaf, 2017).

When Pakistani parliament didn’t agree to send its troops in Yemen, that untimely projected
Pakistan as a rental state. Pakistan must keep good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia
due to its strategic requirements. Other issues where, Iran expresses its reservations, is the
issue of Islamic military alliance for countering terrorism. The apparent cause is to combat
terrorism in Muslim countries where the problem of terrorism and extremism has done
irreversible damage. It is aimed that the member states would help each other, militarily,
economically and politically in this regard. Outstandingly, the collusion prohibits Saudi
Arabia's archrival Shiite Iran, which has upheld the Syrian government's battle against remote
supported agitators and Islamic state (IS).

3.6 Pakistan: A Theatre of Saudi-Iran Rivalry

Ramification of Iran-Saudi hostility is being felt across the Muslim world specifically
in south Asia, where 30% of the Muslim population resides. The effects of this rivalry are the
increased Shia-Sunni sectarian divide which comes directly from the configuration of Saudi
Arabia a Sunni majority state and Iran a Shiite one. This conflict is not new and dates to the
Iranian revolution 1979 which marked the struggle for the regional supremacy by both Saudi
Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran both are fighting to become the hegemony of the
region. Pakistan is one of the states affected from sectarian tensions in Pakistan which has 20
% Shia population and makes it a Shia minority state (Shanker, 2016).

Pakistan has been the victim of sectarian violence so in order to analyze Pakistani politics,
Shia-Sunni relations are in compulsion to discuss because Pakistan, in most time, finds itself
embroiled in the Saudi-Iran spat15 Sectarian divide in Pakistan deepened after gen Zia-ul-
Haq came to power after a military coup in 1977. He was notorious for his policies of
Islamization which are dominated by the radical Islamic doctrine of Wahabism which had
created discomfort and unrest among Shia in Pakistan. During this period Pakistan enjoyed
healthy relations with Saudi Arabia and also received funding in preparing mujaheddin
movement to fight against soviet occupation of Afghanistan (Yousaf, 2017).
 27

At the same time Iranian revolution was at its peak and marked the starting of exportation of
Iranian influence in Pakistan. Zia government recognized Khomeini government and called
him “a symbol of Islamic insurgence”. On one side Pakistan was having healthy diplomatic
ties with Iran that went so far that Pakistan supplied nuclear technology to Iran while on the
other side Shia-Sunni conflict intensified with the creation of tehrik-i-nifaz-e-jafria (formed
by one of the students of Ayat-ul-lah khumaini) against the Zia’s policies of Islamization. As
a reaction of this outfit many Sunni based outfit like Sip-ah-e-sahaba or Lashkar-e-jhangvi
cropped up funded by Wahabi network in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan establishment has tried to
eliminate these outfits and also banned them by the dilemma is that these outfits have deep
ideological inroads among their followers, making complete elimination difficult.

3.7 Sectarian Repercussions for Pakistan

For the most part Deobandi accused the Iranian contribution in advancing sectarian
violence by asserting that it was a climate of harmony in pre 1979 time. All of a sudden after
the Iranian upheaval, the Shia drove Iranian governments began to activate Shia people group
in the rest of the world to enable them this procedure is as yet continuing as indicated by a
large portion of the respondent and they said that it is Iran that help the Shias both morally
and financially to advance sectarian violence. Additionally, Shia respondents generally
accused that the Saudi Arabia to belittle the sectarian violence. They are subsidizing the strict
Maddaris just as the jihadi aggressors. The intention behind this plan is to advance
Wahhabism in the rest of the world (Binnendijk, 2016).

Generally sectarian violence has genuinely affected, financial, religious, and political as well
as business in Pakistan. Pakistan is where tribes, sectarian groups or some political groups are
more dominant when contrasted with focal government. This is the reason sectarianism is
significantly extending and escalating in Pakistan. Sectarianism and fear-based oppression
had never hit Pakistan with such power even since its introduction to the world as it has been
throughout the previous three decades. Suicide assaults, directed executing of religious
leaders of group, bombarding or blasts in mosques and imambargahs are ceaselessly
expanding the sentiments of weakness in the Pakistan. This serious circumstance has put the
whole social structure of Pakistan at stake. Along these lines, there is a pressing need to
handle the sectarian threat. Be that as it may, there is absence of vision and systems to handle
sectarian danger in Pakistan.
 28

One of the researches shows that there have developed huge gaps between religious
institutions and the state. A past research by Talbani in 1996 demonstrated that for quite a
long time, madrassa assumed a pivotal job in serving society and state. It additionally
indicated that the strict foundations have been contributory in protecting society,
strengthening and transferring Islamic values over the ages. With the progression of time the
poor religious education crushed by current political thoughts and therefore a gap is made
between religious institutions and the state issues and as a result Madarassas job is restricted
to religion as it were. This separation of Madarsas from state welcomes the nonstate
components I-e outside ideological on-screen characters which subsidized the Madarssas for
their ideological and political interests. So, the Madrassa construct the opinion of their
students carefully on sectarian basis. The information shows that the sequential governments
in Pakistan are either not willing or inadequate to comprehend the issue. The essential right to
training is disregarded by pretty much every administration in Pakistan as a result of which
religious education is creating intolerance in the society (Wariach, 2019).

3.8 Neutrality of Pakistan between Saudi Arabia and Iran Rivalry

The consequence of Saudi Arabia and Iran tensions are felt across the Muslim world.
Muslim world always remains intact with situation of Middle East because of their spiritual
connectivity. Pakistan has friendly historical relations with its neighboring state Iran and on
other hand Pakistan has spiritual and historical relation with its all-weather friend Saudi
Arabia. So, Pakistan always remains more conscious about regional conflict in Middle East.
Pakistan stance remains neutral in Saudi Iran rivalry and always focuses to deescalate the
tension through diplomatic way. Pakistan neither wants to lose its neighbor Iran nor Saudi
Arabia so by adopting neutrality in conflict Pakistan can gain the trust of both states.

Pakistan is facing a lot of problems such as terrorism, sectarianism, extremism and long war
along its border with Afghanistan, so Pakistan is now unable to afford another war along its
border with Iran. Prime Minister Imran khan admits that there was a great mistake done by
Pakistan to join war on terror (Yousaf, 2017). Pakistan was not affected by terrorism but
when Pakistan join war on terror pay a huge loss in term of economic, military and civilian
causalities. To take lesson from history Pakistan formulates foreign policy based on Pakistan
interest and not to intervene in the conflict of other states.

The consequence of taking part in rivalries of other states put negative impact on Pakistan.
Parliament of Pakistan passed a resolution to adopt neutrality in Yemen war and emphasis to
 29

find peaceful resolution of conflict. By adopting neutrality Pakistan able to plays a proactive
role to find diplomatic solution of conflict. To avoid the region plunging into conflict
Pakistan adopts neutrality to resolve the difference peacefully through dialogue. The
resolution passed by parliament of Pakistan also added that Pakistan will support regional and
international efforts to hold peace and stability in region. Pakistan also focuses to unite
Muslim ummah to cooperate among each other and to resolve the issues between Muslim
states under the platform of organization of Islamic states (Shanker, 2016).

Pakistan has also no other option instead of neutrality which is in the favor of the national
interest of Pakistan. Pakistan can able to counter terrorism and sectarianism with great
sacrifice of security forces. By the efforts of security forces terrorism drop 80% and
sectarian’s death drop about 75%. So if Pakistan takes another option instead of neutrality
cause the loss of these achievements. So only through neutrality Pakistan can able hold all
these achievements.

3.9 Pakistan’s Role in Mediation between Iran-Saudi Enmity

Pakistan has relatively closer relations with Saudi Arabia for years than to Iran. But
the new civilian and military leadership have decided to avoid any incline in foreign policy
due to changing strategic environment. Pakistan also remained neutral when Saudi Arabia
started a military campaign in Yemen against Houthis. In January 2016, the fading in Saudi-
Iranian relations after the execution of a prominent Shia Sheikh, Pakistan also played the role
of mediator. The civilian leadership of Pakistan avoids in showing an evident tilt in foreign
policy towards Saudi Arabia but the military and economic relations ensure that Pakistan
would like Saudi Arabia, and it depends upon force which dictates the country. Since the
conclusion of the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program in 2015 the
economic relations between Pakistan and Iran have grown (Yousaf, 2019).

But the decision of the United States to withdraw from the deal threatens the relations
between Iran and Pakistan. With the arrival of the new leadership in Pakistan, Iran is trying to
rebuild its relations with Pakistan and Iran also saluted the statement of Pakistani Prime
Minister, “all Middle Eastern brothers.” After getting victory in election, Pakistani PM Imran
Khan said that “We want to play an important role for conciliation in the Middle East.
Meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan in an August 4, PM Khan showed a readiness
to play a productive and positive role between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is playing the
role of facilitator between Saudi Arabia and Iran; therefore, Pakistani Prime Minister visited
 30

the Tehran and then Riyadh in an attempt to neutralize the rising tensions between Iran and
Saudi Arabia. Pakistan will also get benefits from the improved relations between Iran and
Saudi Arabia. Pakistan also has an urgent need to build peaceful relations with Iran and Saudi
Arabia due to volatile environment in the region. (Alhasan, 2019).

Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries due to billions
of dollars in remittances that are a key part of the Pakistani economy. The Gulf countries are
providing energy and financial support to Pakistan, especially when the United States
sanctioned Pakistan in 1998. The voyage missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco oil
installations since the September 14 the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have
intensified but Pakistan is trying to defuse the tension.

Pakistani Prime Minister visited the Tehran two days after the incident due to the urgency of
the matters. PM Khan conducted meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and showed concern over Iran-Saudi rivalry. Khan said that it
is complex issue, but we can resolve it through negotiations. Because the war can trigger an
uncertainty in the region and this will cause poverty in the world and oil prices will rise.
Pakistani PM also promised to provide neutral venue for talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia
in Islamabad. It was Pakistan’s own initiative to act as a middleman between Iran and Saudi
Arabia. The efforts of the Pakistan got encouraging result because Iranian President was
agreed to end the war in Yemen.
 31

References

Alhasan, Hasan. (2019). “Saudi Set to be Key Player in South Asia,” Asia Times, February
22, 2019.

Ali, Yousaf. (2017). “Iran - Saudi Arabia the Rivalry Explained,” Foreign Affairs, November
8, 2017.

Anthony, H. C. (2015). “The Arab-US Strategic Partnership in the Gulf”, Washington, DC:
Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Barnes, J. (2018). “Trump Policy in the Middle East: ISIS,” Baker Institute for Public Policy,
Rice University.

Berti, B. (2014). “Saudi Arabia Foreign Policy on Iran and the Proxy War in Syria: Toward
New Chapter,” Israel of Foreign Affairs, Vol. 8 (3), PP.25-34.

Binnendijk, H. (2016). “In Search of a Middle East Partnership”, Strategy, Vol. 3, No.3
(2016).

Commins, D. (2005). The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia. London: Bloomsbury
Publishing.

Quandt, W. B. (2010). Saudi Arabia in the 1980: Foreign Policy, Security, and Oil.
Washington, DC: Brookings Institute.

Siddiqa, Arhama. (2019). “Is Saudi Arabia Trying to Balance Between Pakistan and India,”
March 27, 2018.

Takeyh, R. (2009). Guardians of the Revolution: Iran and the World in the Age of the
Ayatollah. London: Oxford University Press.

Terrill, W. A. (2011). “The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security,”
Pentagon: US Department of the Army.

Waraich, Omar. (2019). “Pakistan is caught in the Middle of Conflict between Saudi Arabia
and Iran,” TIME, January 11, 2016.
 32

Chapter-4
Evolving Nature of Pak-Saudi Relationship

4.1 Introduction

The Pak-Saudi relations are based on solid foundations of Islamic ideology and
traditional Islamic values. The spiritual affection the people of Pakistan have for the Holy
Places (the Kaaba Tullah and Masjid al-Nabawi) and with the people of the Holy land
reinforce the bilateral relationship between both countries. The ideological foundations of
Pakistan further contributed to bringing both countries together and their people. Soon after
its independence, Pakistan attained an exceptional and very high-ranking political status
among the Muslim world. Starting from almost zero in 1947, Pakistan extended political and
economic support to many countries in the 1960s. Besides, it developed its armed forces
matching the global standards of military professionalism and a high degree of competence.
On the other hand, King Abdul Aziz and his successors developed the Kingdom and Saudi
nation from a scattered desert region to a modern, dynamic and progressive nation-state
(Cohen, 2011).

Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1951. As a
pioneer treaty, it defined the future direction of the relationship between both states and laid
down the formal basis for bilateral cooperation. The treaty also readdressed historical
connections, spiritual affiliations, strategic partnerships, and social relationships. In the
Middle East, the newly formed nation-states were in turmoil after WW II. Saudi Arabia
played a major role in the regional stability, peace, and economic prosperity of the Arab
world. From its establishment in the early 1930s to the present day, the Kingdom passed
through numerous domestic and external challenges, which were handled with wisdom,
national resolve, and deterrence from any external aggression.

As a member of the OIC, Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Arab world in
their wars against the Israeli illegal occupation of the Arab land (Palestine). Within the scope
of the Treaty of Friendship and other bilateral understandings, Pakistan helped Saudi Arabia
to overcome some of the worst domestic upheavals and external security threats it confronted.
Pakistan military played a contributory role in the development of Saudi armed forces and
cooperation is continuously extended to date (Yousaf, 2015).
 33

4.2 Relationship More Than Strategic Partners

Late King Abdullah had a great desire for larger unity among the Muslim world. He
was also an advocate of establishing strong bondage between Pakistan and the Kingdom. He
envisioned the Pak-Saudi relationship as more than strategic partners and even more than
brothers. Both countries stood by each other at most difficult times like wars, conflicts, and
natural calamities. Over the years, this relationship has been reinforced by a common faith
and cultural affinity. Geographical proximity, the convergence of interests, trade, and
commerce further added to the already defined track of conations. Since the 1950s, both
countries have exchanged high-level delegations. Almost all leadership of Pakistan visited the
Holy Land in their respective tenures, so did Saudi leadership. Prime Minister Imran Khan
paid his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, which was reciprocated by Crown Prince
Mohammad Bin Salman in February 2019, adding a new chapter with promising prospects in
the bilateral relationship of both countries (Haider, 2015).

There has existed a distinctive synergy in the bilateral relationship of Pakistan and Saudi
Arabia for the last seven decades. This all-weather relationship stood the test of odd days and
disturbing times. During almost all crises, Pakistan supported the Kingdom without raising
eyebrows, the resolute support. Many Pakistanis are working in various parts of Saudi Arabia
as engineers, teachers, doctors, workers, and construction experts. Indeed, Pakistanis working
in Saudi Arabia considered it as their homeland. upon the occurrence of a shocking 2005-
earthquake in northern parts of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia provided $10 million in financial
assistance on a humanitarian basis besides another $170 million in aid (2010-2012) to
rehabilitate the flood victims of Pakistan (Cardinali, 2013).

There has been new optimism during the rule of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad
Bin Salman. After fleeting misgiving of the Yemen crisis, both countries revamped their
bilateral relationship on new and progressive lines, as demonstrated during the visit of the
Crown Prince in February 2019. During this visit, it was decided to enhance Pak-Saudi
bilateralism in politics, diplomacy, military collaboration, economic cooperation; and
augment cultural and religious ties. Oil and oil-based products constitute major imports from
Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, whereas Pakistan exports food products, chemicals, textile, and
leather goods to the Saudi Kingdom. Currently, the volume of bilateral trade between both
countries is approximately $2.5 billion. In January 2018, both countries reinforced their
bilateral economic ties with a preferential trade agreement as per the new Saudi Vision-2030.
 34

It is a brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman meant to diversify the Saudi
economy on modern lines. In the light of this vision, Saudi Arabia is gradually reducing its
dependency on black gold. The Kingdom is in the process of economic diversifications,
which includes public and private sectors. The focus is education, health, tourism,
infrastructure, and other public sector facilities. The Crown Prince is striving hard to
“transform the Kingdom into a global economic powerhouse”, which will benefit the Arab
world (Cohen, 2011).

4.3 Strategic Foundation of Pak-Saudi Relations

The elementary bases of a strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
are historical, pragmatic, and sentimental. This relationship emerged much before the
Kingdom became oil-rich, which rejects the analogy that the economy is defining factor of
the Pak-Saudi relationship. The Holy cities, Makkah and Medina, have been the spiritual
reasons for reinforcement of this relationship. On the economic front, Anwar Ali, a Pakistani
economist, was Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (Saudi Central Bank) from
1958 to 1974.9 Saudi economies was boosted under the able leadership of Anwar Ali, who
gave it a new vision and future orientation. Over the decades, Pakistan has had an exclusive
status in Saudi strategic calculus, which speaks about their mutual trustfulness and consistent
relationship. As defined by a former official of the Kingdom, “Pak-Saudi ties are one of the
closest in the world any two states would ever have (Mohan, 2015).

The strategic nature of the Pak-Saudi relationship is further fortified by common geopolitical
interests, as Pakistan armed forces are always ready to support Saudi Arabia in case of any
external aggression on its soil. From the military archives, it is evident that Pakistan's armed
forces have been assisting Saudi Arabia since the 1960s with their physical presence in the
Kingdom. They played a key role in the foundation and subsequent training of the Saudi
armed forces. Both militaries have had close cooperation and collaboration since the 1970s.
Pakistan military trainers are imparting training to Saudi armed forces as nucleus staff.
Besides, officers from tri services of Saudi Arabia are attending military courses in Pakistan
military institutions at a mid-career level to the higher level of national security (Tallis,
2010).
 35

4.4 Recent Developments in Pak-Saudi Relations

Unlike international diplomatic practices in vogue, where states tend to have written
agreements and pacts before rendering support, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia back each other
without any formal agreement on bilateral, regional, and international issues. Such
cooperation has existed in all fields like military, economic and political. In the words of
Prince Turki Bin Faisal Al Saud, former Director-General of Al Mukhabarat Al A’amah, the
Pak-Saudi relationship is one of the best in the world with no parallel. A high level of trust,
perpetuity, and future guarantees in their relations.

While analyzing Pak-Saudi cooperation during the Cold War, the Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan was a classical case. Both states cooperated against the Soviet invasion, which
resulted in the retreat of Soviet forces from Afghanistan. Indeed, this was the first perceptible
Pak-Saudi strategic cooperation at the international level. Being about Pakistan, the Saudi
Kingdom “sees Afghanistan as part of the Kingdom’s immediate neighborhood.” 15
Similarly, a sequel to the incident of 9/11, strong cooperation by both countries extended for
a peaceful resolution of Afghanistan avoiding human losses and damages. There remained a
close working relationship between both countries throughout the WoT. Guido Steinberg, a
German scholar, wrote that “Pakistan is Saudi Arabia’s most vital ally.

In 2015, a misgiving developed when Islamabad decided not to take the side of any party in
the Yemen conflict. Later, after having understood Pakistan’s principled stance, the
cooperative mechanism of both countries got further impetus without any ill-feeling. Riyadh
understood Islamabad’s compulsions of not participating in the Yemen conflict. Besides
being neutral in inter-state affairs of Muslim states, active military operations were going on
to combat the terrorists all over the country. Pakistan Army had started a decisive military
campaign ‘Operation Zarb-e-Azb’ in the erstwhile FATA area, North Waziristan Agency,
where terrorists had their supportive mechanism. Alongside, parallel anti-terrorist operations
were going on at the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Simultaneously, intelligence-based operations were going on in entire Pakistan to unearth and
destroy the terrorist networks. But the most significant aspect was, Pakistan maintained its
neutrality on bilateral predicaments of Muslim states. On its part, Pakistan also offered
mediation over the Yemen conflict (Haider, 2015).

Despite domestic military engagements, Pakistan extended its support to the Saudi
government without any absurdity. The mutual understanding between both states led to the
 36

appointment of former Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as Commander of

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). IMCTC is an intergovernmental
counter-terrorism alliance of Muslim states, primarily focusing on terrorist activities of Daesh
(ISIS) in the Middle Eastern region. General Raheel has maintained a balance between
member states and those Muslim states which are not part of this alliance. Under the
leadership of General Raheel Sharif, IMCTC focuses purely against terrorism without
involving in any sectarian conflict, as speculated at the time of its formation. In the wake of
its diverse populace, Pakistan cannot afford any prejudices in IMCTC (khan, 2015).

4.5 Political Engagement between Pakistan- Saudi Arabia

There have been regular high-level political engagements through visits of heads of
states and senior government officials. Prime Minister Imran Khan has visited Saudi Arabia
four times since assuming his office. His visit, in May 2021, was aiming at re-setting the
bilateral relationship as some misunderstandings took place on some issues. Later, Saudi
Foreign Minister visited Pakistan in July 2021 on a two-day official visit. He assured
complete Saudi support to Pakistan's stance over the long-standing Kashmir conflict. His visit
further strengthened the progressive drive in high-level interactions for deepening bilateral
cooperation in various fields. King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz visited Pakistan in 2014 as
Crown Prince. It was an extraordinary visit among the lurking crisis over the Yemen conflict.
Pakistan assured Saudi Arabia of its guaranteed support in any aggression against the
Kingdom, particularly the Holy Mosques. In the security domain, Pakistan has a genuine
concern about the security of the Kingdom, especially the two Holy Mosque (Khan, 2015).

Pakistan always plays its role in ending the conflicts in the Middle East. Pakistan has offered
to Saudi leadership to mediate or facilitate bringing an end to the Yemen conflict. Indeed, it is
in line with its policy of promoting unity among Muslim states. There were media
speculations that Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia deployed at the border with Yemen. Kamal
Alam, a scholar of RUSI, even said that these men of the Pakistan Army would employ for
the security of the Saudi Royal family. Indeed, these all were conjectures since Pakistan
clarified that its troops in Saudi Arabia are for training purposes. Pakistani leadership
advocates Pakistan’s military assistance to the Kingdom and stands by Saudi Arabia.
 37

4.6 Pak- Saudi Economic Cooperation

In economic cooperation, Saudi Arabia has been a great source to appendage

Pakistan's economy. Many Pakistani expatriates are employed in the Kingdom. They play
two roles; first, they contribute to the development of the host country. Secondly, they take
part in the economic development of Pakistan by sending remittances back home, which
reasonably reduces pressure on the job market of Pakistan. Since the 1960s, Pakistan human
resource has started pouring in Saudi Arabia. The estimated numbers of Pakistani expatriates
in the Kingdom are more than 2.7 million. They work in almost all fields of economy, such as
construction, medical, engineering, academics, and the IT sector. Saudi Arabia hired the
services of over 1000 highly professional doctors from Pakistan in 2012 alone.

Saudi authorities considered Pakistani doctors and paramedics as highly professional in their
job with dedication. The people in Saudi Arabia feel very comfortable with doctors from
Pakistan because of their cultural and historical background. The Saudi government has
employed thousands of Pakistani nationals as engineers, IT experts, academics, doctors, and
high-level executives besides laborers. In an analysis of the Royal United Services Institute
for Defense and Security Studies, Pak-Saudi bilateral trade in the first half of the 21st century
(2002 to 2012) has been over $30 billion and from 2012 to 2013, trade exchange between
both countries remained $5 billion.

In the past decade, Saudi Arabia had financially assisted Pakistan without direct commercial
interests. It supported Pakistan through direct funding of $1.5 billion in March 2014, an
immense boost for Pakistan’s economy besides reinforcing “the country’s falling foreign
currency reserves. Financial experts like Sakib Sherani, former Chief Economist, advocated
putting Pakistan’s economy through reforms since foreign funding may provide momentary
sustenance. Later in 2018, Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan through a bailout package of $3
billion as the balance of payments and another $3 billion as deferred payments on oil imports.
Pakistan’s import of crude oil from Saudi Arabia is over 110,000 barrels per day.

In October 2018, on the sidelines of the annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference,
both countries signed several agreements for financial cooperation between Pakistan and
Saudi Arabia. FII Conference provided unique opportunities for the economic cooperation of
all developing states. Prime Minister Imran Khan illuminated the conference about the
unusual economic situation facing the developing countries. Through this conference, Crown
Prince Mohammad Bin Salam projected his Vision-2030 aimed at diversification of Saudi
 38

economy away from the traditional oil-based approach. Later in 2020, the Saudi government
abruptly stopped the supply of crude oil based on deferred payments and demanded the return
of $3 billion it had deposited as a balance of payments support to Pakistan’s economy. This
abrupt change in the attitude of Saudi Arabia was unexpected for Pakistan.

Pakistan has a plan for developing an oil city at Gwadar. In this regard, the Saudi government
has decided to invest in establishing an oil refinery at Gwadar. It was announced during the
visit of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman to Pakistan, and Saudi experts also visited the
site for its feasibility. Likewise, a task force was constituted by the Pakistan government,
whose recommendations had already been approved as a foreign-funded project. This project,
if materialized, will reduce the expenditures Pakistan spends on oil imports. Pakistan also
sought Saudi support for investment in areas like tourism, coal and gas exploration and IT to
which Kingdom has shown interest (Muzaffar, 2017).

4.7 Contemporary Phase of Pak-Saudi Relationship

With promises and expectations, the two-day official visit of Crown Prince
Mohammad Bin Salman in February 2019 was largely viewed in Pakistan as the beginning of
a new phase in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Under changing
geopolitical scenarios and geo-economic developments, both Muslim states have realized
their responsibilities to cooperate and work together for the common good of the Muslim
world. There are tremendous potentials and opportunities for furthering their relationship to
new heights. It includes plentiful natural resources in both countries and a dedicated
workforce available in Pakistan (Warriach, 2016). Nevertheless, many crevices in Saudi
policies emerged in the later part of 2019 and 2020, obscuring the optimism perceived during
the 2019-visit of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. The Crown Prince declared himself
an ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, a great gesture and a daring commitment, but
later events proved otherwise.

There have been strong bases of the Pak-Saudi relationship for the last seven decades. The
Kingdom always supported Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir dispute and all other issues at
the regional and global levels. Similarly, Pakistan always supported Palestinians in their
legitimate cause against Israel's illegal occupation and other issues confronted by Saudi
Arabia and the Arab world. Unfortunately, on India's illegal annexation of occupied Jammu
and Kashmir as its union territory in August 2019, there was a cold response from Riyadh.
The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were put under an
 39

indefinite curfew. Widespread violence has deprived them of human rights, which continues
even after the passage of two years (Ali, 2015).

There is a mysterious silence from Riyadh and other capitals of GCC countries against the
Indian illegal act. Besides New Delhi’s alienation of Indian Muslims through Citizen
Amendment Act-2019, Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company struck a deal of
$70 billion to establish an oil refinery in Maharashtra, India. This was a pro-Indian act that
hurt the feelings of Kashmiris in IIOJK and Indian Muslims. Indeed, Kashmiris and Indian
Muslims have expected at least positive. Gestures from their Arab brother s with almost a
pessimistic and prejudiced response from OIC, Arab League, and GCC states, India took its
illegal acts justified and undertook massive repression against Muslims in India and IIOJK.
On the other hand, the Indian diaspora in the UAE and other Arab countries conspires against
Muslims and Islam.

On the economic front, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has pledged $20 billion as an
investment in Pakistan, thus, opening many new avenues. Upon signing seven MoUs, the
Crown Prince said that it is just a beginning, and there will be a gradual increase in Saudi
investment in days to come. He stated that “we have been a brotherly country, a friendly
country to Pakistan. We’ve walked together in tough and good times, and we continue.”38
From the Pakistani perspective, it is a big investment plan of Saudi Arabia, provided it gets
implemented. The Saudi investment for establishing an oil refinery at Gwadar would have
made a long-term impact. Through its establishment, crude oil from the Middle East will be
transported to Pakistan and exported to energy-deficient Asian countries like China and
ASEAN (Alhasan, 2019).

4.8 Prospects of Pak-Saudi Relationship

After the visits of Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2021 and Saudi Foreign
Minister in July 2021, Riyadh and Islamabad are engaged with a new determination to regain
what they lost in the last year. There have been many high-level visits from both sides, which
speak of gravity of concern to reconcile the bilateral relationship. Indeed, both countries have
historical bondage of mutuality and goodwill towards each other. Saudi Arabia is diversifying
its economy, and Pakistan can provide a prospective route and staging place. Gwadar will act
as an energy hub between oil efficient and oil deficient countries (Gause, 2003).
 40

Therefore, Saudi investment in establishing an oil refinery at Gwadar will initiate and
subsequently boost the economic integration and interdependence between Pakistan and
Saudi Arabia. It will give Saudi Arabia relevance in the regional geo-economics. Besides,
China and Iran have negotiated a $400 billion deal for economic and security cooperation,
which will open new vistas for economic cooperation between China and Middle Eastern
states, including the Saudi Kingdom. Since countries like China need energy resources from
Saudi Arabia, CPEC provides a secure and shortest route for energy transportation. Pakistan
is eager for the participation of other countries in CPEC, and Saudi participation will be a
welcoming step.

With the prospective participation of Saudi Arabia in CPEC, another dimension adds up to
the geopolitical significance of the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Saudi
Arabia. 39 In 2019, the Crown Prince promised that visa-fee for Pakistanis will be reduced up
to 50%. 40 Such a concession will allow maximum Pakistani nationals to perform Hajj and
Umrah. A Saudi delegation headed by Major General Sulaiman Al Yahya, Director General
Immigration, visited Pakistan in April 2019 in connection with the ‘Road to Makkah’ project.
This facilitation was fully operationalized in 2019 and greatly facilitated Pakistani Pilgrims
during Hajj.

4.9 Pak-Gulf Defense and Security Cooperation

Pakistan-Gulf defense relationship is almost as old as their political and diplomatic

contacts. Most of the GCC states depended heavily on Pakistan's assistance in raising their
defense and security forces. There is long history of security relations between Pakistan and
several Gulf countries. In 1970s and 80s, many Gulf countries flushed with oil money bought
state of the art equipment but local population lacked technical skills. A number of Pakistan
army and air force personnel were deputed to several countries including Saudi Arabia,
United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Syria and Iraq.

A much smaller number of naval officers also served in UAE training local naval forces. The
main role of Pakistani officers was in training local security forces although they also manned
complicated equipment such as radars. The recent Arab spring and subsequent incidents and
their basic motives have given a chance to Gulf countries to come further close to Pakistan.
Pakistan through its military and bilateral cooperation has always tried to shield these
countries from various external and internal threats. The GCC is now looking towards East
and recent joint military exercises of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (Al- Assam IV) are one of its
 41

examples. The following narrative of defense cooperation between Pakistan and the
individual GCC States explains depth of their defense relationship. The Gulf today is
establishing its role as a unified powerful regional bloc and Pakistan stands as a strong,
trusted and credible support with most cordial and brotherly relations based on the aspiration
and sentiments of their peoples, shared history, religion and cultural affinities.
 42

References

Ali, K. (2015). “Alliance formed to pressurize govt to send troops to S. Arabia,” Dawn, April
30, 2015.

Cohen, S. P. (2011). “Pakistan: Arrival and Departure”, In S. P. Cohen et al., eds. The Future
of Pakistan, Washington, DC: Brookings Institute.

Dawn. (2014). “FO Says no Plan to Provide Arms to Syrian Rebels,” February 25th.

Dawn. (2015). “Iran has offered India bigger Role in Strategic Port, Says Envoy,” July 18th.

Express Tribune. (2015). “Defying Royal Request: China helped Pakistan ‘weather the
storm’ over Yemen,” April 27th, 2015.

Gishkori, Z. (2015). “National Action Plan: Pakistan in fresh push to choke terror funding”,
Express Tribune, January 10, 2015...

Haider, M. (2015). “Federal Minister Accuses Saudi Govt of Destabilizing Muslim World,”
Dawn, January 20, 2015.

Humayun, F. (2015). “Hard Talk” The News, July 18, 2015.

Khan, M. I. (2015). “Parliament Watch: Summary of the Debates in the Joint Session on
Yemen Crisis,” Conflict and Peace Studies, 7(1): 7-16.

Mohan, C. R. (2015). “How the Iran Nuke Deal Gives India Room in the Greater Middle
East”, Indian Express, July 15, 2015.

Syed, B. S. (2014). “Aziz vows balance in S. Arabia, Iran ties”, Dawn, March 18, 2014..

Tellis, A. J. & A. Mukharji. (2010). Is a Regional Strategy Viable in Afghanistan”,

New York: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The Nation. (2014). “No Troops being Sent to Saudi Arabia: Pakistan,” February 20, 2014.

Walsh, D. (2010). “WikiLeaks Cables: Saudi Arabia wants Military Rule in Pakistan,” The
Guardian, December 1st, 2010.
 43

Chapter-5
Conclusion

The increased Saudi influence over Pakistan is visible due to the historical religious
orientation and enormous funding in recent past. Until now Saudi Arab has been successful in
exerting its influence regionally via Pakistan and against Iran. Owing to the special relations
with Saudi Arab, Pakistan could be made party to any offensive strategy against Iran and to
serve Saudi hegemonic interests. The extent to freedom Pakistan enjoys in its foreign policy
is recently minimized. However, Pakistan had not completely surrendered to Saudi dictation
and managing to keep relations with Iran stable. Saudi influence has its own limits and as
Pakistan striving to maintain the balance in its obvious leaning towards KSA. The positive
role of China and Iran can be of particular significance with regards to lessen the Pakistani
influence on Saudi Arab. By easing tensions with Iran, it would be proved productive in
minimizing the need of Pakistan for Saudi support.

Pakistan does not need to replace the friendship of one country with cordiality of another
instead it should work to balance the equation with all states. By ensuring socio-economic
development under democratic framework, Pakistan can guard itself from foreign
machination be it US, China or Saudi Arab. Although there is no doubt that under the
changing dynamics of power in world, an important strategically located country like
Pakistan can never have risk free path. Since the policy of friendship with Saudi Arab have
its own shortcomings, it is risky for the sovereignty of Pakistan. Pakistan must adopt a policy
which is less precarious to its independent foreign policy.

The increased Saudi influence over Pakistan is visible due to the historical religious
orientation and enormous funding in recent past. Until now Saudi Arab has been successful in
exerting its influence regionally via Pakistan and against Iran. Owing to the special relations
with Saudi Arab, Pakistan could be made party to any offensive strategy against Iran and to
serve Saudi hegemonic interests. The extent to freedom Pakistan enjoys in its foreign policy
is recently minimized. However, Pakistan had not completely surrendered to Saudi dictation
and managing to keep relations with Iran stable. Saudi influence has its own limits and as

Pakistan striving to Maintain the balance in its obvious leaning towards Saudi Arabia. The
positive role of China and Iran can be of particular significance with regards to lessen the
Pakistani influence on Saudi Arab. By easing tensions with Iran, it would be proved
 44

productive in minimizing the need of Pakistan for Saudi support one country with cordiality
of another instead it should work to balance the equation with all states. By ensuring socio-
economic development under democratic framework, Pakistan can guard itself from foreign
machination be it US, China or Saudi Arab. Although there is no doubt that under the
changing dynamics of power in world, an important strategically located country like
Pakistan can never have risk free path. Since the policy of friendship with Saudi Arab have
its own shortcomings, it is risky for the sovereignty of Pakistan. Pakistan must adopt policy
which is less precarious to its independent foreign policy.

The need of time is to maintain the balance by shrinking the dependence on Saudi funds and
remittances that come from Saudi workers of Pakistan. Pakistan needs to progress in
industrial and agricultural enlargement so reliance on any state like Saudi Arab can be
decreased. Pakistan must also focus on European States and Asian countries for trade and
diplomatic relations so dependence on one or two country can be reduced. Trade links and
businesses should be equally developed with every continent’s countries and maintaining best
possible links with neighboring countries should be priority of policy. Instead of becoming
the party to Saudi Arab hegemonic regional plans and checkmating the Iranian influence it
should focus on balancing the equation so it can independently conduct its own form of
action.

5.1 Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Education Links

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been staunch allies with the Kingdom assisting
Pakistan financially in recent decades. In recent years, efforts have also been made to
strengthen cultural ties. About 3 million Pakistanis currently live in Saudi Arabia. In the
common knowledge of ordinary Pakistanis and Saudi citizens, perhaps the relationship
between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Pakistan is an association built around
mostly security pacts or financial assistance. No doubt from Riyadh’s tacit support to
Pakistan’s atomic program, to the Pakistan army contingent deployed to defend the
kingdom’s borders, to the pledge to provide security to both houses of God, it has been an
endless stream of protective security measures in the making.

So has been the case of financial aid, especially in the form of deferred payments on oil,
which has prevented Pakistan, on innumerable occasions, from caving under the burden of its
 45

ever-rising import bills. However, another facet to this relationship, which has rarely been in
the spotlight, is the Pakistani Saudi education support/ exchange program.

In a recent development, KSA has announced 600 full scholarships to Pakistani students to
pursue higher education in 25 universities of KSA. Both Pakistanis living as expats and those
in Pakistan are eligible to avail the opportunity. 

Saudi Arabia is expending its resources in the realm of language to conserve Islamic culture
and heritage. In this regard millions of dollars are being invested in building a research and
cultural center at the new International Islamic University Islamabad campus. The medium of
education would be the Arabic language. State of the art digital facilities will be installed so
people from anywhere in the world can learn online from trained linguistic professors that the
Kingdom shall send to teach Arabic, Sharia, and other Islamic subjects. Under the project,
250 scholarships will be given to deserving students. 

5.2 Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Trade Links

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) for trade
liberalization and increasing the volume between the two countries. Pakistan offered Saudi
Arabia to negotiate the FTA directly or sign a preferential trade agreement (PTA) first for
providing mutual trade opportunity in each other’s markets, said Commerce Secretary
Muhammad Younus Dagha in a briefing to a Saudi trade and investment delegation.
From the Pakistani side, the delegation was led by Dagha and comprised officials from the
commerce ministry and Board of Investment (BOI) whereas Energy, Industries and Mining
Adviser Ahmad Al Ghamdi headed the delegation of Saudi Arabia.

Both sides discussed comparative advantages of the FTA and to further negotiate the tariff
lines for providing mutual opportunity in trade and investment. Pakistan would give the same
trade facilities to Saudi Arabia as it offered to China in the FTA and Indonesia in the PTA for
ramping up the trade volume. The commerce secretary said Pakistan wanted to increase
bilateral trade in the areas of textile, leather, sports goods and medicines in order to gain
access to Middle Eastern markets. Saying that Saudi Arabia was a member of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC), he pointed out, “We are already engaged in negotiations with
the GCC including Bahrain to increase the trade volume with these potential trading
partners.” Al Ghamdi agreed to initiate a study and hold more negotiations on the FTA
between the two countries.
 46

Bibliography

Axworthy, M. (2013). Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic. New York:
Oxford University Press.

Cerioli, L. G. (2018). “Roles and International Behaviour: Saudi–Iranian Rivalry in Bahrain’s

and Yemen’s Arab Spring”, Context International, Vol. II, No. III, PP, 295-317.

Doran, M. S. (2011). “The Heirs of Nasser: Who Will Benefit From the Second Arab
Revolution,” Council on Foreign Relations, Vol. 3, No. 36, PP, 17-25.

Durrani, A. (2002). “Implications of September 11 for the Middle East,” Pakistan Horizon,
Vol. 6, No. 14. PP, 27-52.

Gupta, R. (2014). A New Gulf Security Architecture: Prospects and Challenges for an Asian
Role. New York: Gerlach Press.

Haider, Mateen. (2016). “Saudi Arabia Largest Importer of Pakistani Arms,” Dawn. March

11, 2016.

Johnson, Kay. (2018). “Pakistan to Send Troops to Saudi Arabia to Train and Advise,”
Reuters, April 3, 2018.

Khurram, B. (2014). “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: Deference, Dependence, and Deterrence,”
The Middle East Journal, Vol. 68, No. 2 (2014): PP, 211-228.

Kiani, Khaleeq. (2018). “Talks with Saudi Arabia on $8bn Gwadar Refinery in final
Stage,” Dawn. July 9, 2018.

Kukreja, Mahendra. (2005). Pakistan: Democracy, Development and Security Issues.

London: Sage Publications.

Malik, Mehreen. (2014). “Saudi Arabia Loans Pakistan $1.5 billion to shore up

Economy”, Reuters, August 11, 2014.

Menashri, D. (2007). “Iran's Regional Policy: Between Radicalism and Pragmatism,” Journal
of International Affairs, Vol. 60, No. 2, PP, 153-167.

Mustafa, K. (2015). “China tells Pakistan CPEC success depends on peaceful Pak-Afghan
Ties,” The News, April 19, 2015.
 47

Mustafa, Z. (2007). “Recent trends in Pakistan’s policy towards the Middle East,” In M. Ali,
(ed). Readings in Pakistan Foreign Policy 1971-1998. Karachi: Oxford University
Press.

Muzaffar, M. (2017). “Saudi - Iran Strife: Complexities for Pakistan,” Global Regional
Review, I (I), PP, 119-134.

Nisar, Ahasan. (2016). “The Gulf Will Always Need Migrants,” Dawn, June 14, 2016.

Notezai, Akbar. (2013). “New Trends in Pakistan Saudi Arabia Ties,” The Diplomat,
February 27, 2013.

Pradhan, P. K. (2011). “The GCC–Iran Conflict and its Strategic Implications for the Gulf
Region”, Strategic Analysis, Vol. 6, No. PP, 265-276.

Quwa. (2016). “The Pakistan Navy Assumes Command of Anti-Piracy Coalition CTF-15”,
https://quwa.org/2016/10/28/ Pakistan-navy-assumes-command-anti-piracy-coalition-
ctf-15.

Ranjit, Gupta. (2014). A New Gulf Security Architecture: Prospects and Challenges for an
Asian Role. Berlin: Gerlach Press.

Rizvi, Yumna. (2018). “The Time to Demand Saudi Arabia to Treat Pakistani Workers
Properly is now”, Dawn, March 8, 2018.

Saddiqa, Arhama. (2018). “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations in the Khan Era: Naya Pakistan
and Saudi Arabia: Old wine in a new bottle”, The Diplomat, September 25, 2018.

Singh, M. (2015). “The Sino-Iranian Tango: Why the Nuclear Deal is Good for China,”
Foreign Affairs, July 21, 2015.

Sinkaya, B. (2015). “Implications of the Arab Spring for Iran’s Policy towards the Middle
East”, Ortadoğu Etütleri, PP, 54-78.

Soage, A. B. (2017). “What is Really Behind the Saudi-Iranian Cold war”, Spanish Institute
for Strategic Studies, 01-15.

Swearingen, W. D. (1988). “Geopolitical Origins of the Iran-Iraq War”, Geographical

Review, PP, 405-416.
 48

Syed, B. S. (2014). “Similarity of Views on Regional Issues with Saudi Arabia,” Dawn,
February 18, 2014.

Terrill, W. A. (2011). “The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security”,
Carlisle: US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute.

Walsh, D. (2010). “Saudi Arabia wants military rule in Pakistan,” The Guardian, December
1st, 2010.

Zamarayeva, N. (2014). “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Partnership,” New Eastern

Outlook, March 30th, 2014.

Zarif, M. J. (2007). “Tackling the Iran-US Crisis: The Need for a Paradigm Shift”, Journal of
International Affairs, Vol. 3, No. 36, PP, 73-94.