Pakistan’s Saudi Deployment: A Strategic Gamble with Grave Consequences

Pakistan’s deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Pact could deepen domestic political instability, strain its relations with Iran, and undermine its strategic autonomy by drawing Islamabad further into a regional conflict with wider US and Israeli strategic implications.

From Palestine to the Makkah Pact

During all this time, the most powerful Muslim nations perfected the art of looking infuriated by condemning escalation, convening summits, and issuing hollow statements against the Israeli war crimes. These nations had power, weapons, and money, but they lacked the will to take any solid action against the Zionists. Many Muslim countries, including Pakistan, used domestic economic and political instability as their excuse for their inaction against the Zionist regime. However, after the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, the member states have announced that they will activate the Makkah pact. Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to deploy their designated forces in Saudi Arabia to defend the Kingdom’s territory. Pakistan’s Retired Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood has been appointed the first secretary-general of the Makkah Alliance for Defense as the member states move to implement their trilateral defense partnership.

Pakistan’s Domestic Political Dilemma

However, this move will have grave domestic and international consequences for Pakistan. Domestically, Pakistan is........

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