Reuters: Pakistan faces pressure to choose side as Saudi-Houthi tensions escalate

Latest News

Reuters: Pakistan faces pressure to choose side as Saudi-Houthi tensions escalate

2026.09.11, 14:53

Pakistan is facing growing pressure to take a position as fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen intensifies, Reuters reported Friday.

Gunaz.tv

Islamabad has sought to maintain a delicate balance, acting as a defense partner of Saudi Arabia while also serving as a channel for communication with Iran. The escalation is now putting that balancing act under increasing strain.

The conflict also represents the first major test of the mutual defense agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye last month. Under the pact, an armed attack on any of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all members.

Pakistani officials are particularly concerned that the Houthi offensive could pull the country directly into the conflict. Pakistani troops are already deployed near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, according to officials cited by Reuters.

At the same time, Islamabad has strong reasons to avoid a confrontation with Tehran. Pakistan relies on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, both of which could be disrupted by Iran or the Houthis.

Reuters reported that Pakistan delivered a warning to Iran this week, urging Tehran to restrain its Houthi allies. However, Islamabad has so far emphasized diplomacy and has not announced plans for direct military involvement.

Analysts cited by Reuters warned that providing Saudi Arabia with intelligence or air-defense support could undermine Pakistan’s role as a mediator and turn it from a stakeholder into a combatant.

Pakistan is already dealing with security challenges on its border with India and insurgencies in its western provinces, while thousands of Pakistani troops and fighter jets are stationed in Saudi Arabia under existing defense arrangements.

GUNAZ.TV

Latest News