Unexpectedly, the situation has escalated to this point—Pakistan is now dissatisfied with Saudi Arabia! On March 29, foreign media reported that Pakistan has become increasingly disillusioned with Saudi Arabia's defense agreement, primarily because Saudi Arabia failed to commit to promised investments. The transaction’s framework was described as "cash for deterrence," but now, while Pakistan awaits the expected investment, Saudi Arabia has also failed to achieve its deterrence objectives.
Last September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a joint strategic defense agreement. Unexpectedly, just after the agreement took effect, a major incident unfolded in the Middle East. Iran attacked Saudi Arabia, which, by logic, should have obligated Pakistan to send troops in support. However, Pakistan clearly has its own concerns. On one hand, no funds have materialized. More importantly, Pakistan shares a border with Iran, and India looms behind it. If Pakistan were to join the conflict, the consequences would be truly far-reaching and unpredictable.
Pakistan fully understands the gravity of the situation and cannot act rashly. As a result, the agreement signed last year has quickly turned into nothing more than a paper alliance. From Saudi Arabia’s perspective, the situation is equally difficult. The main issue is the growing fiscal pressure within Saudi Arabia; foreign aid and investment are no longer as generous as they once were. Saudi Arabia must simultaneously maintain its presence in traditional spheres of influence such as Yemen and Lebanon, while also countering military pressures from Iran.
Thus, Saudi Arabia simply cannot deliver the promised real money to fulfill the economic benefits pledged to Pakistan. Pakistan feels it has been treated as a cheap enforcer—expected to fulfill obligations without receiving tangible rewards. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia criticizes Pakistan for being ambiguous at critical moments and failing to provide effective deterrence. Clearly, the agreement has already become ineffective shortly after signing, proving once again that military alliances must be approached with great caution. Otherwise, national credibility will suffer significantly.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860974321939722/
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