By Rana Farooq Ashraf : Published by ANI
The rapidly changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia has created new challenges for regional security, foreign policy and defence strategy. Continuing tensions, proxy conflicts, cross-border interference and the growing role of non-state actors have, over the past several decades, affected the political, economic and security stability of Muslim countries. Pakistan itself has paid a heavy price in lives and economic losses because of terrorism, sectarian violence, cross-border interference and different forms of proxy warfare. The incidents in Quetta, Karachi, Parachinar and other parts of the country, as well as the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, remain important references in this wider security context.
The growing military capability of the Houthi movement has further complicated the security environment in the Middle East. The use of drones and missiles is no longer confined to conventional battlefields. Civilian centres, energy infrastructure and international shipping routes can now be exposed to the consequences of such conflicts. The continuing tensions around the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf demonstrate how a conflict that begins on one front can quickly affect international trade, energy supplies and regional stability.
The incident near Makkah on September 16 has added another sensitive dimension to an already volatile situation. According to Saudi authorities, a drone was intercepted and destroyed south of Makkah before it entered the prohibited airspace over the holy city. The Houthis, however, denied targeting Makkah or any religious site. Regardless of the competing claims, the incident is significant because of the location involved and because it highlights the increasingly difficult security environment created by modern drone warfare.
Pakistan’s response was immediate and clear. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, condemned the reported attempt and praised the vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces. At the same time, he called upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue and diplomacy. This combination of solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for de-escalation reflects the broader challenge facing Pakistan: maintaining its strategic commitments while also supporting regional stability.
The response within Pakistan has also demonstrated the sensitivity of the issue. Despite political differences, the security of the Holy Mosques remains a matter of deep concern across Pakistani society. Similar expressions of solidarity have come from Gulf and Muslim countries. This response cannot be viewed only through a religious lens. Saudi Arabia occupies a central position in the regional economy, energy market and wider Muslim world, and instability there can have consequences far beyond its borders.
The experiences of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon also offer important lessons. When state institutions become weak, armed non-state groups acquire greater influence and external powers exploit internal divisions, the consequences rarely remain confined to one country. They often spread across borders and create long-term instability. For Muslim countries, the lesson is straightforward: strong state institutions, internal cohesion, economic resilience and a balanced foreign policy are essential elements of national security.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close relations for decades, with defence and security cooperation forming an important part of the bilateral relationship. The recently concluded Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has added a new dimension to this partnership. Pakistan has described the arrangement as a framework for collective defence and deterrence rather than an offensive alliance against any particular country. In the present environment, the distinction is important. Effective deterrence can help prevent conflict, but it must be accompanied by diplomacy and responsible statecraft.
For Pakistan, the current situation therefore requires a careful balance. Its position regarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the security of the Holy Mosques is clear, while preventing the region from sliding into a wider conflict is equally important. Standing with a strategic partner and supporting dialogue are not contradictory positions. In fact, responsible foreign policy often requires both security preparedness and diplomatic engagement at the same time.
The nature of warfare itself is changing. A drone can travel hundreds of kilometres and challenge the security architecture of another country; a missile strike can unsettle energy markets; and a proxy conflict can quickly involve several states with competing interests. Pakistan therefore needs to strengthen not only its conventional defence capabilities but also intelligence cooperation, air defence, technological preparedness, diplomatic outreach and regional partnerships.
The security of Makkah and Madinah carries exceptional religious significance for Muslims across the world, while the stability of Saudi Arabia has wider economic and strategic implications for the region. The present moment therefore calls for neither complacency nor uncontrolled escalation. What is required is credible deterrence, strong defence, diplomatic engagement and a sustained effort to prevent the expansion of conflict.
Pakistan’s role in this changing regional environment will ultimately be measured by its ability to protect its national interests, honour its strategic commitments and contribute to regional stability at the same time. In an increasingly uncertain Middle East, strength and diplomacy cannot be treated as alternatives; both are necessary instruments of responsible statecraft.
