Date
16-10-2025
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional “security contractor” into West Asia’s net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, such as waning U.S. influence, rising Israeli aggression, and the Gulf states’ pivot toward India and China, have created a strategic vacuum. Pakistan, with its large, battle-hardened army and nuclear deterrent, could fill this void. Yet, economic fragility and internal political instability pose major challenges. The brief argues that Pakistan must transcend its rentier logic and leverage its military assets for diplomacy and regional balance. Success depends on visionary leadership and a shift from short-term gains to long-term strategic influence. The pact with Saudi Arabia could be symbolic – or transformative – depending on Pakistan’s choices.
