The central problem of regional order is how to make states feel secure without making their neighbours feel threatened. The Middle East has struggled with this dilemma for decades. Outside powers have offered protection, governments have accumulated weapons, and alliances have promised reassurance. Yet insecurity has persisted. For Pakistan, the emerging security arrangements present an opportunity to address this problem through a combination of military credibility and diplomatic engagement. Whether it can sustain both will determine the value of its growing regional role.

It is tempting to interpret the changing landscape as the collapse of American influence. That would be premature. Washington remains an important security partner for Gulf states. What is changing is their willingness to place the full weight of their security on a single relationship. Regional partnerships offer additional capabilities, political support and room for manoeuvre. They reflect a search for greater agency in decisions whose consequences are felt most immediately within the region.

Pakistan has become an important participant in that search. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, commits the three countries to treating an armed attack against one as an attack against all. It builds upon the Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement concluded in........

© The Express Tribune