Pakistan’s deepening military and economic ties with Saudi Arabia have left its government with limited options to disengage from the conflict in Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi rebels remain a dominant force. While Islamabad has historically maintained a neutral stance in regional disputes, its defense agreements and financial dependence on Riyadh now bind it to a conflict it has long sought to avoid. The balance between maintaining alliances and avoiding regional escalation presents a growing challenge for Pakistani leadership. Analysts warn that any shift in policy could strain relations with Saudi Arabia, complicating Pakistan’s strategic and economic priorities.
Defence pacts and financial reliance on Riyadh give Islamabad little leeway to avoid Houthi conflict
