Pakistan Enhances Military Presence, Pursues Islamic NATO with Arab Allies

Post by : Mina Rahman

Pakistan is strategically amplifying its military influence throughout the Arab region, a move that could realign power dynamics in South and West Asia. With robust support from China, Islamabad is negotiating significant arms contracts while seeking to establish a NATO-like Islamic defense coalition involving Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Raza Hayat Harraj, the Defence Production Minister of Pakistan, revealed that negotiations for a trilateral partnership among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have been in progress for almost a year. Drafts have already been exchanged, awaiting final agreement. “The trilateral partnership is well underway, with discussions occurring between all three nations,” Harraj confirmed.

Currently, Pakistan is on the verge of sealing a $1.5 billion arms agreement with Sudan, assisting the Sudanese military in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces. Concurrently, discussions with Saudi Arabia aim to transform approximately $2 billion in loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, thereby fortifying military ties after a mutual defense agreement established last year.

Although these transactions may not be the largest globally, they underscore Pakistan's increasing military stature and influence in the Middle East. The JF-17 Thunder, produced in collaboration with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has also piqued Iraq’s interest. Pakistan constructs the airframe, while avionics are supplied by China.

Historically, Pakistan’s involvement in the Middle East has centered on training Arab forces rather than arms provision. Should these discussions yield results, Pakistan could position itself as a pivotal security provider and a significant player in regional disputes.

Experts caution that Islamabad needs to tread carefully due to the diverse interests in a fragmented Arab world. For instance, while Saudi Arabia backs Sudan's military, Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces, a claim that Abu Dhabi denies. Additionally, in Libya, Pakistan reportedly engaged in a $4 billion agreement with Khalifa Haftar, whose militia has connections to Sudan’s paramilitary tensions.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE maintain opposing stances in Yemen, complicating Pakistan’s potential ability to act as a weapons supplier to competing factions in the area. “Selling the same weaponry to rival sides will not be straightforward for Pakistan,” stated Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh.

China’s participation lends considerable advantage to Pakistan’s military exports. The co-produced JF-17 is recognized as a reliable platform for nations like Sudan and Libya, thereby enhancing Islamabad’s geopolitical leverage. A former armed forces officer of Pakistan remarked, “Though these nations may acquire smaller numbers, Pakistan is viewed as a dependable supplier, reinforced by solid backing from China.”

This growth occurs amidst escalating global rivalry between the United States and China. While the US dominates the arms export market with a 43% share projected for 2024, China holds a 6% stake in global arms sales, much of which benefits Pakistan, augmenting its defense capabilities and regional footprint.

Pakistan’s emerging role within the Arab world marks a departure from its historical functions as a trainer for allied forces, transitioning into a more prominent supplier of sophisticated military equipment, thereby reshaping strategic alliances in the Middle East.