Madrid, March 31 (NationPress) In light of the recent assaults on Saudi Arabia by Iran, Islamabad's lack of significant military deployment to assist Riyadh under their mutual defence agreement has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles. This situation has cast doubts on the effectiveness and conditions of the pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to a report released on Tuesday.

"Recently, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which serves to strengthen their enduring military collaboration. The agreement specifies that if either side faces an external threat, the other is obligated to provide military assistance as resources permit. However, the ongoing crisis has underscored the intricate nature of these strategic commitments," stated Fatima El Hashimi, a Moroccan researcher and journalist, in the Spain-based media outlet 'Atalayar'.

Fatima noted that the Pakistani Army Chief, Asim Munir, communicated directly with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, indicating that Pakistan is currently unable to send troops to Saudi Arabia, as its primary concern remains securing the Afghan border.

Diplomatic sources suggest that Riyadh is vigilantly monitoring developments along the border. Some Saudi officials interpret the escalating military activities as evidence that Pakistan may have limited capacity or willingness for external military involvement, particularly as Riyadh faces its own security challenges.

This incident reflects a long-established trend recognized by Pakistani foreign policy analysts: "Islamabad adeptly balances its alliances to optimize economic, military, and diplomatic gains."

"From the Cold War era to the current war on terror, Pakistan has sustained strategic relationships with the United States, China, and Gulf monarchies, positioning itself as an essential partner while remaining guided by its own interests," the report added.

The present circumstances highlight a fundamental challenge associated with strategic defence alliances, wherein commitments are evaluated not merely by the terms of agreements but by actual capabilities during crises.

While Saudi Arabia seeks concrete military backing, Pakistan is focusing on mediation and diplomatic efforts—an approach that diverges from the original expectations of the pact.

"Pakistan's renewed military emphasis on the Afghan border has attracted international attention. Analysts are questioning whether this escalation is motivated purely by security needs or if it also reflects broader geopolitical considerations. For Saudi Arabia and other regional stakeholders, this situation prompts a reassessment of the reliability and extent of strategic alliances amid growing uncertainties," the report concluded.

The report also raised questions about whether Pakistan's commitments to its allies facing genuine threats are constrained by its military capabilities or if they are influenced by a "strategic political judgement" about when and with whom to engage.