ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its readiness to support Saudi Arabia “whenever needed,” amid rising tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Prime Minister’s spokesperson for Foreign Media Mosharraf Zaidi stated it is “unquestionable” that Islamabad would stand by Riyadh “no matter what and no matter when.” His comments come as Tehran retaliated against the attacks by targeting US bases across the Gulf region, including sites in Saudi Arabia, with missiles and drones.
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret over strikes affecting regional countries, Tehran insisted it would continue targeting sites used against its territory.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September last year, under which any attack on one nation is considered an act of aggression against both. In recent developments, Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia and held discussions with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman on Iranian attacks and the implementation of the joint defense agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively mediating between Riyadh and Tehran. According to PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Pakistani officials have been in continuous contact with Iran to prevent further escalation and safeguard Gulf nations from attacks. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reported that Iran indicated it would refrain from striking Saudi Arabia if Riyadh ensured its territory would not be used for attacks against Tehran.
Zaidi highlighted the longstanding principle of mutual support between Islamabad and Riyadh and emphasized Pakistan’s role in preventing regional conflict that could destabilize the Gulf. He also noted that Saudi Arabia has arranged to support Pakistan’s oil and diesel supplies amid global fuel concerns caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
To mitigate disruptions, Pakistan has started importing crude oil via the Red Sea route. A Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessel recently arrived at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia and will sail to Karachi carrying 73,000 tonnes of crude oil. Another vessel, Shalamar, has loaded oil from Fujairah port and is en route to Karachi. Shipping sources reported that the Strait of Hormuz disruption has left two PNSC vessels stranded near Karachi and at a charter port.
