New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) It appears that Pakistan may intensify military operations in Afghanistan amidst the ongoing conflict in Iran. The pressure on Islamabad to engage in the Iranian war has surged, particularly following missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.

According to sources from the Intelligence Bureau, Pakistan is preparing for a significant escalation in Afghanistan as a strategy to either delay or evade involvement in the Iranian conflict. This could serve as a crucial diversion, allowing Pakistan to justify its reluctance to participate in the war.

The pressure arises from the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2025. The agreement stipulates that any aggression towards either nation is regarded as a threat to both. This clause closely resembles NATO's Article 5.

Last month, Pakistan proclaimed that it is engaged in an open conflict with Afghanistan, accusing the Afghan Taliban of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) without providing evidence.

During the Israeli and US military actions against Iran, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present at an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Riyadh. On March 3, Dar informed the Senate that he had reminded Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, of Pakistan's defense commitments to Saudi Arabia.

Officials indicate that Pakistan was unprepared for a scenario necessitating the fulfillment of these obligations. The unexpected Iranian strikes on various Middle Eastern nations caught Islamabad off guard, escalating pressure on the leadership.

Despite the mounting pressure, Pakistan is currently reluctant to enter the war, aiming to avoid entanglement in the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict.

Moreover, Pakistan cannot oppose the United States in this context, especially after celebrating the close ties established during the Trump administration, which included a minerals agreement that complicates the situation further.

Historically, Pakistan has utilized military actions against India as a diversion from its internal issues; however, this time, a military strike against India is not a feasible option due to ongoing domestic turmoil, exacerbated by groups like the TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

An official noted that while escalating the situation in Afghanistan may incur costs, Pakistan is willing to take that risk as it considers this a preferable alternative to entering the conflict in Iran. Pakistan finds itself in a precarious position, unable to alienate Saudi Arabia, Iran, or the United States.

If Pakistan moves to escalate its actions in Afghanistan, it is unlikely that Iran or Saudi Arabia will intervene, as both nations are currently preoccupied with their own challenges. The US is also expected to remain silent, having acknowledged Pakistan's right to self-defense.

Security analysts are observing the evolving situation in Afghanistan closely, noting indications of a potential escalation by Pakistan as a diversionary maneuver.

Experts caution that while such an escalation may serve as a temporary fix, the complexities of the situation will only deepen in the future.