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ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is confident it can weather the gathering storm in the Middle East as tensions over Iran threaten to redraw regional fault lines, senior officials said, insisting Islamabad’s top priority remains protecting its core national interests.
Officials familiar with the deliberations told The Express PAkGazette on Wednesday that Pakistan has been closely monitoring developments amid fears of a broader conflagration involving Iran and Gulf countries.
“The situation is fluid, but we have managed it well so far,” said a senior official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “Our objective is to safeguard Pakistan’s economic and security interests while avoiding entanglement in any political bloc.”
Pakistan has unequivocally condemned the attack on Iran, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law. At the same time, Islamabad has also denounced Iranian retaliation against Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, with which Pakistan has a long-standing security partnership.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently told the Senate that Pakistan had reminded Tehran of its mutual defense agreement with Riyadh. Although couched in diplomatic language, officials described the move as a subtle but clear message to Iran to avoid escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia.
“We conveyed our position responsibly,” said a source familiar with the diplomatic exchanges. “Pakistan has a defense pact with Saudi Arabia. It was important to remind the Iranian side of that understanding so that there are no miscalculations.”
However, officials were quick to emphasize that Islamabad is not seeking to antagonize Iran. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the delicate balance Pakistan seeks to maintain, Dar visited the Iranian embassy on Wednesday to mourn the death of Iran’s supreme leader. The visit was seen as an effort to underline Pakistan’s desire to have stable and cordial ties with its western neighbor despite growing regional turbulence.
“Pakistan has maintained contacts with all relevant players,” another senior official said. “We are participating quietly and constructively. The goal is to reduce tension, not score points.”
Officials said the government was actively evaluating multiple scenarios, including the possibility of a protracted conflict, regime instability in Iran or further extension to the Gulf. While acknowledging that the situation remains unpredictable, they expressed cautious optimism that the crisis would not lead to a protracted war.
“There is concern, yes, but also confidence,” said an official. “Pakistan is not a party to the conflict. Some of the widespread fears that Pakistan could be next are unfounded.”
According to sources, security agencies have been tasked with assessing possible consequences, including sectarian tensions, cross-border security risks and the impact on Pakistani nationals working in the Gulf.
“We have plans to deal with any eventuality, including possible changes in the Iranian political configuration,” the source added.
However, the most immediate concern for Islamabad is economic rather than military. Officials said the disruption of oil and gas supplies due to instability in the Gulf, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed or partially blocked, poses a significant risk to Pakistan’s already fragile economy.
“The energy dimension is the main concern at the moment,” said another official. “Any prolonged disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz will have direct implications for us.”
Anticipating such a scenario, Pakistan has already approached Saudi Arabia to explore alternative arrangements for oil shipments.
“We are engaging the Saudi authorities to explore alternatives so that our energy security is not compromised,” the official said.
Pakistan’s balancing act reflects its complex geopolitical position, as it shares a border with Iran while maintaining deep strategic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Over the years, Islamabad has tried to avoid being drawn into regional rivalries, even offering mediation during previous episodes of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Diplomatic sources said that approach remains unchanged. “Our message to all parties is simple: reduce tension, exercise restraint and avoid measures that could destabilize the entire region,” an official said.
