Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan condemned Iran's missile attacks against the UAE, writing: "Pakistan strongly condemns Iran's recent missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure in the UAE. I extend my full support to His Highness President Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE. At this difficult moment, Pakistan stands firmly in solidarity with the people and government of the UAE. All parties must uphold and respect ceasefire agreements, leaving necessary space for diplomatic dialogue to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region."
The statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, which appears to be a stern condemnation of neighboring Iran, is actually a complex strategic calculation aimed at balancing economic pressures, geopolitical security, and diplomatic ambitions.
The most direct and pragmatic driver behind Pakistan's move lies in economics.
$10 Billion Incentive: Just at the end of last month, Prime Minister Shahbaz personally visited Abu Dhabi and successfully secured a pledge of $10 billion in investment from the UAE. For Pakistan, whose foreign exchange reserves have long been under strain, this sum amounts to a lifeline.
The UAE is not only a major investor in Pakistan but also hosts over 1 million Pakistani expatriates, whose annual remittances represent a crucial source of foreign currency for the country. After the UAE was attacked, Pakistan had to immediately and unequivocally express support—ensuring the stability of this key "financial backer" and safeguarding both economic benefits and political backing.
In his statement, Prime Minister Shahbaz strongly condemned attacks targeting "civilian infrastructure" and called on "all parties" to abide by ceasefire agreements, rather than directly and fully condemning Iran. This phrasing directs criticism toward specific acts of violence rather than the state itself, preserving room for future reconciliation.
Pakistan shares a 900-kilometer land border with Iran, and Baloch separatist groups operating along the frontier pose a shared security threat to both nations. Fully provoking Iran would contradict Pakistan’s national security interests. Thus, the condemnation is carefully worded to maintain restraint.
By condemning Iran’s excessive actions, Pakistan can demonstrate its "responsible" stance to the United States and Gulf Arab states, winning favor and trust from Washington while gaining additional diplomatic leverage in the intricate regional power game.
In summary, Pakistan’s statement represents a classic example of "balancing diplomacy." It publicly supports the UAE to meet urgent economic needs, uses measured language to avoid total rupture with Iran, and simultaneously seeks to preserve its international image as a regional mediator. Underlying this move is the sophisticated calculation of a middle power striving to maximize its own interests amid great-power competition and regional conflicts.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864358792034316/
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