Pakistan pledges to help Saudi Arabia in war against Iran, will provide all possible assistance

Lahore: Amid rising tensions and conflict in the Middle East, Pakistan has pledged to provide all possible assistance to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Prime Minister's spokesman, Mosharraf Zaidi, has stated that Pakistan will stand in support of Saudi Arabia if needed.

What is Pakistan's stance?

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Zaidi stated that Pakistan will remain ready to assist Saudi Arabia, regardless of the circumstances. He added that even before the defense agreement between the two countries last September, the two countries have always stood by each other. He added that the most pressing question at present is what steps Pakistan is taking to prevent the situation from escalating to the point where one of its close allies is drawn into a conflict that could undermine regional stability and prosperity.

Indeed, Iran has been carrying out frequent missile and drone attacks on several Gulf countries amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Saudi Arabia recently claimed to have shot down a drone heading towards a major oil field. The conflict is also impacting global energy markets, leading to a sharp rise in crude oil and gas prices.

How is Saudi Arabia assisting Pakistan?

During the conversation, Zaidi stated that Saudi Arabia has been assisting Pakistan with the supply of oil and diesel since the conflict began. According to Pakistan's Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervez Malik, fuel is being supplied through the Saudi port of Yanbu in the Red Sea, located away from the Strait of Hormuz. The Pakistan Navy has also announced that it will provide security to the country's commercial vessels to ensure that energy supplies are not affected.

On the other hand, according to Lahore-based international relations expert Rashid Ahmed Khan, the details of the defense agreement are unclear, but it could involve Pakistan playing a role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. However, he also said that direct military action by Pakistan against Iran is unlikely. Instead, Pakistan may take steps such as protecting against drone attacks and providing technical military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

How has Iran war affected Pakistan?

Amid the conflict, Pakistan announced its largest-ever increase in fuel prices on Saturday. This move comes at a time when approximately 29 percent of the country's population lives below the poverty line. The government has taken several measures to reduce expenditure and save fuel, including freezing ministerial salaries, closing schools, and implementing a four-day work week.

Zaidi said that fuel reserves are in a "better than stable" state after three additional shipments arrived this week and one next week. He also stated that Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been in constant contact with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, since the war began.

It is noteworthy that last week, Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Saudi Arabia. During the visit, he met with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. The two leaders discussed joint measures to prevent potential Iranian drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.