Has Pakistan Been Caught In Its Own Trap Amid Conflict Between Saudi Arabia, Yemen's Houthis?

Lahore: After India's 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan was elated to have signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia. While it did not expect troops or weaponry from the Saudis, it certainly anticipated financial support. However, policymakers in Islamabad did not foresee that this agreement would be put to the test so soon. Having narrowly avoided being dragged into a conflict with Iran, the pact is now facing a genuine trial. Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have begun attacking Saudi Arabia. Islamabad fears that if these attacks intensify, it could find itself entangled in a West Asian war.

Will Pakistan get sucked into West Asia conflict? 

According to a Reuters report, Pakistan's leadership remains concerned about the possibility of being drawn into the regional conflict in West Asia. A Pakistani official stationed in Saudi Arabia stated that top officials and leaders have conveyed a clear message: an attack on Saudi Arabia would be treated as an attack on Pakistan—a "red line" for the country. It is worth noting that Pakistan had previously expressed concern following an attack launched by Iran on February 28, though it maintained that any decision to engage in war rested with Saudi Arabia. Acknowledging Pakistan's concerns at the time, Saudi Arabia had refrained from invoking the agreement. However, the situation is now deteriorating amidst persistent attacks by the Houthis.

The Saudi Pact: A Source of Concern for Pakistan? 

Security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana noted that Pakistan had not anticipated such a rapid escalation of tensions. Officials also fear that further Houthi attacks could endanger Pakistani troops deployed along the Saudi-Yemen border and increase pressure on Islamabad to retaliate under the terms of the defense pact with Riyadh. Retired Pakistani General Ghulam Mustafa remarked that the country's leadership is "still trying to keep all sides happy." However, he warned that the situation could change if the Houthis escalate their attacks within Saudi territory. Pakistan Strives for Peace Between Iran and the US
According to a Reuters report, amidst escalating tensions, Pakistan is once again making efforts to facilitate a peace agreement. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, stated, "The Pakistani leadership has urged all parties to maintain peace and engage in diplomatic dialogue." Although Pakistan is advocating for diplomacy, the situation in West Asia continues to deteriorate. Late Thursday night, the US launched an attack on Iran for the fifth consecutive day. In retaliation, Iran dropped bombs on a US airbase in Jordan. Iran has claimed that approximately 38 people have been killed in US attacks over the past week.
Amidst these developments, Pakistan is concerned about Saudi Arabia's stance. Pakistani officials believe that if the situation worsens, Saudi Arabia could invoke a mutual defense agreement, potentially dragging the Pakistani military into this regional conflict.