Pakistan Is Back In West Asia’s Good Graces

In 2025, Pakistan experienced a significant diplomatic revival under Field Marshal Asim Munir. By leveraging global instability and “geopolitical churn,” the military leadership has successfully repositioned Pakistan as a critical player in West Asian security and U.S. relations, despite ongoing domestic crises.

The Military’s Grip on Power

• Field Marshal Designation: General Asim Munir has consolidated all-encompassing power, adopting a self-christened title that reflects the military’s total control over the state.
• Civil-Military Shift: The low profile of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signals a definitive move where diplomatic victories are credited to the Army rather than the civilian government.
• Opportunistic Strategy: Pakistan is currently capitalizing on strategic crevasses in the international order, utilizing a “narrative game” to gain global relevance.

Re-engagement with West Asia

• Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA): The September 2025 pact with Saudi Arabia marks a triumphant return for Pakistan into Gulf security architectures.
• Security Utilitarianism: Arab powers now view the Pakistan Army as a vital provider of military strength and personnel for regional stabilization, including potential deployment in Gaza.
• Regional Realignment: Following missile strikes in Qatar and threats to U.S. bases, Gulf states are moving toward collective defense, viewing Pakistan as a “dodgy insurance policy” against regional escalations.

U.S. Relations and Global Spotlight

• Trump Administration Ties: Pakistan has found favor with U.S. President Donald Trump, even nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize to solidify diplomatic rapport.
• Operation Sindoor: References to recent military tensions suggest Pakistan is once again using brinkmanship—negotiating with a “gun to its own head”—to force international engagement.
• Indian Perspective: India maintains a stance of strategic skepticism, with officials reiterating that the Pakistan Army remains the primary source of regional problems.

Historical Friction vs. Current Success

• Past Isolation: Previously, Pakistan faced visa suspensions from the UAE and strained ties with Riyadh after refusing to join the Yemen campaign in 2015.
• Shift in Graces: By 2025, Munir has navigated these past failures to merit Pakistan’s inclusion in a revised security architecture for Arab powers.

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Way Forward

• Shelf Life of Opportunism: While current “victories of perception” are high, this opportunistic approach does not guarantee long-term dividends or solve structural issues.
• Unresolved Internal Crises: The country’s economic and political instability remains intact and cannot be permanently masked by foreign policy wins.
• The Existential Problem: Internationally, Pakistan’s reliance on utilitarian military benefits rather than ideological or economic stability remains a “long-term problem.”

Conclusion

Pakistan’s current geopolitical “boon” is a result of tactical maneuvering by Field Marshal Munir amidst global chaos. However, for these gains to be meaningful, India and the world look for a shift away from brinkmanship toward resolving the core economic and political crises that continue to haunt the state.

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