Prabhasakshi Newsroom: Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement has changed the scenario of the world’s Islamic politics

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has added the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement with the possibility of forming an alliance like “new NATO” in the future, as well as said that this development can have far-reaching impact on not only South Asia but not only South Asia but the entire Islamic world and global strategic balance. If seen, this idea is not just a political statement, but is an indicator of those deep geopolitical and religious equations that can give a new look to the collective security of Muslim countries in the coming years.

Let us remind you that according to the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between Pakistan-Saudi Arabia on 18 September, if one of the country is attacked, it will be considered as an attack on both. This model directly reminds of the collective defense policy of NATO. If this agreement actually expands to other Muslim countries, it can shake the strategic balance of West Asia and South Asia.

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Let us tell you that Saudi Arabia’s strategic position is already strong due to energy resources and religious influence. Pakistan on the other hand has nuclear power and military skills. If both these powers are combined and other Muslim nations join it, it can create a military block that can challenge the strategy of superpowers like America-Europe or Russia-China.

This development is also a matter of concern for India. Pakistan recently cited a limited struggle with India, saying that if the agreement was implemented at that time, India’s attack would be considered an attack on Saudi Arabia. It simply means that indirect intervention of Gulf countries can be possible under any Indo-Pak tension in future. This will make India’s West Asia policy more complex.

At the same time, Ishaq Dar claims that “Pakistan will one day lead 57 Islamic countries” also raises many questions in itself. Traditionally, Saudi Arabia has tried to lead the Islamic world for religious reasons and Turkey has tried to historical-political reasons. Iran also considers itself to be the main patron of Shia Islam. In such a situation, this claim of Pakistan can create a new power-balance. If this “Islamic Nato” coalition really stands, it will have many major political influences. For example, this will deepen security cooperation between Gulf and South Asia. On the other hand, Iran already has a mistrust of both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. A collective Islamic defense organization can marginalize Iran. At the same time Türkiye considers himself an alternative leader of the Islamic world. If his role in any such military block is limited, he can openly oppose.

If seen, this development is a double -edged sword for America and Europe. On the one hand, cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan matches their strategic interests as both have been partners in western countries for a long time. But on the other hand, if this alliance emerges as independent power-centers, it can go out of Western control and form its own foreign policy. At the same time, this is an opportunity for China. China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and deep partnership with Pakistan are already established. If this alliance is strong, China can use it as a strategic balance compared to the growing closest of India and the US.

Let us also tell you that Ishaq Dar has also spoken about becoming an economic power. If seen, no military alliance is sustainable until it has financial and industrial power. Resources are abundant in Muslim countries, but they have not been collectively used yet. If this organization is not only limited to military security and creates a structure of economic cooperation, it can take a form of European Union.

If seen, the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which is being presented as a “new NATO”, is currently in the initial stage. But its implications are deep. This will not only create new complications in Indo-Pak relations but will also introduce new competition of leadership within the Islamic world. Superpowers like America, China and Russia will try to influence it according to their interests.

If this alliance is limited to defense only, its effect will be limited; But if it takes the form of a political and economic platform, it can be the biggest use of global power-balance in the coming decade. This change in the politics of the Islamic world will be permanent or transient, it will depend on the extent to which Pakistan really turns its declared ambition i.e. the Islamic leadership into solid policies and practical strategies.

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