Pakistan Foreign Policy and Geopolitics

[Fatman17]

The New Great Game and Pakistan’s Central Asia Strategy - Pakistan Today

A modern “New Great Game” is reshaping Eurasia around trade, energy, digital infrastructure, and economic influence, making Central Asia increasingly important for Pakistan’s economic and strategic interests

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A strategic analysis of geopolitics, energy, and trade in modern Eurasia

By: Arsalan Ahmed Mahar

The phrase "The Great Game"— coined in the 19th century to describe the strategic rivalry between the British and Russian Empires over Central Asia— has taken on a dynamic, modern meaning. Today, a "New Great Game" is unfolding in Eurasia. Unlike its military-driven predecessor, this competition centres on trade corridors, energy pipelines, digital infrastructure, and economic influence.

 

[VickyIndian]

When Macca pact was signed it looked like a master stroke. A masterstroke for Munir specifically.
Munir had assumed that US-Iran conflict was almost over and this pact gave it immense benefits. Turkey too had assumed the same with massive benefits for it’s military production that is expanding rapidly. For Pakistan, the benefits were in the form of support in case of any conflict with India. Munir also seemed to have assumed Saudi to be a cash cow to support floundering Pak economy. It gave a hedge against relying solely on China for regular bailouts.

But, calculations always don’t work out in Geopolitics. Houthis did exactly that and put both Turkey and Pakistan in a tough spot.

Many commentators in Pakistan had to take the cover behind the requirement of Senate approval before any boots on grounds could be put. A flimsy and weak argument considering Munir’s total control over all the matters that he wishes to control.

If the reports of Saudi seeking Israeli support are true then it reflects even more badly for Pakistan and Turkey. US openly turned down the request for an active intervention against Houthis. What was Pakistan doing all this while? Wasn’t there an existing pact it had with the Saudi’s? Couldn’t they provide any assistance under that?

This is unlikely to have gone unnoticed in Saudi. Munir would have to pull a rabbit out of hat to salvage this pct and make it useful - for getting flow of money from Saudis and also military support in case of a conflict with India.

 

[Fatman17]

Makkah alliance military chiefs vow to ‘immediately’ translate commitments into effective military cooperation: ISPR

Military chiefs review security situation and threats facing Saudi Arabia and strongly "resented" attacks targeting the holy city of Makkah.

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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have expressed a shared determination to “immediately translate” their commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance into effective military cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

The commitment was made at a meeting of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and the chiefs of general staff of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Riyadh on Friday.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in the kingdom, with the Houthis and the Yemeni government engaged in renewed fighting. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and attacked ships in the Red Sea, while also carrying out attacks in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.

 

[VickyIndian]

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have expressed

Expressed may not be good enough in the current situation. Saudi needs action as of yesterday.

Due to heightened scrutiny by the world media, there is an immense pressure on Turkey as well as Pakistan. They might have to take some action to avoid this pact looking like dud, even before the ink dried on it.

There is still a possibility to salvage it. Making statements is definitely not the way to do it. Pakistan would have to weigh the pros and cons to get into this fight with Houthis. A difficult situation.
Let’s see if Munir pulls out a trick as he as been doing since he became the AM.