Pakistan confident of weathering Middle East storm

Pakistan is confident it can weather the gathering storm in the Middle East, as tensions surrounding Iran threaten to redraw regional fault lines, senior officials said, insisting that Islamabad's foremost priority remains the protection of its core national interests. Officials familiar with the deliberations told The Express Tribune on Wednesday that Pakistan has been closely monitoring developments amid fears of a wider conflagration involving Iran and Gulf countries. "The situation is fluid, but we have so far managed it well," a senior official said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. "Our focus is to safeguard Pakistan's economic and security interests while avoiding entanglement in any bloc politics." Pakistan has unequivocally condemned the attack on Iran, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and international law. At the same time, Islamabad has also denounced Iranian retaliation targeting Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, with which Pakistan maintains a long-standing security partnership. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently told the Senate that Pakistan had reminded Tehran of its mutual defence agreement with Riyadh. Though 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 in a responsible manner," a source privy to the diplomatic exchanges said. "Pakistan has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. It was important to remind the Iranian side of that understanding so that there is no miscalculation." However, officials were quick to stress that Islamabad is not seeking to antagonise Iran. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the delicate balance Pakistan is attempting to maintain, Dar visited the Iranian embassy on Wednesday to condole the death of Iran's supreme leader. The visit was seen as an effort to underscore Pakistan's desire for stable and cordial ties with its western neighbour despite growing regional turbulence. "Pakistan has maintained contacts with all relevant players," another senior official said. "We are engaging quietly and constructively. The aim is de-escalation, not point-scoring." Officials said the government was actively assessing multiple scenarios, including the possibility of a prolonged conflict, regime instability in Iran, or further spillover into the Gulf. While acknowledging that the situation remains unpredictable, they expressed cautious optimism that the crisis would not spiral into a protracted war. "There is concern, yes, but there is also confidence," one official noted. "Pakistan is not a party to the conflict. Some of the fears being spread that Pakistan could be next have no basis." Security agencies, according to sources, have been tasked with evaluating potential blowback, including sectarian tensions, cross-border security risks and the impact on Pakistani nationals working in the Gulf. "We have plans in place to tackle any eventuality, including possible changes in the Iranian political setup," the source added. The most immediate concern for Islamabad, however, 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 shut or partially blocked, poses a significant risk to Pakistan's already fragile economy. "The energy dimension is the major worry at this stage," another official said. "Any prolonged disruption in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz will have direct implications for us." In anticipation of such a scenario, Pakistan has already reached out to Saudi Arabia to explore alternative arrangements for oil shipments. "We are engaging 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, sharing a border with Iran while maintaining deep strategic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Over the years, Islamabad has sought to avoid being drawn into regional rivalries, even offering mediation during previous bouts of Saudi-Iran tensions. Diplomatic sources said that approach remains unchanged. "Our message to all sides is simple: de-escalate, exercise restraint, and avoid steps that could destabilise the wider region," one official said.

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