Pakistan Strengthens Military Ties in the Arab World

Pakistan is actively increasing its military influence throughout the Arab region, a shift that may alter the strategic dynamics of South and West Asia. With strong support from China, Islamabad is pursuing multi-billion-dollar arms contracts and looking into a NATO-like Islamic defence coalition with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Raza Hayat Harraj, Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister, disclosed that negotiations for a trilateral pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have been in progress for nearly a year. The draft of this agreement has been shared with both nations, pending final approval. Harraj remarked, “The trilateral agreement is coming together, with all three countries in discussions.”

Additionally, Pakistan is on the verge of finalizing a significant $1.5 billion deal to supply weaponry and aircraft to Sudan, bolstering the Sudanese military during its conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Moreover, talks are underway with Saudi Arabia to convert approximately $2 billion in loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, thereby reinforcing military collaboration after last year’s mutual defence pact.

Though these agreements may not be the largest in a global context, they signify Pakistan’s expanding military stature and influence within the Middle East. The JF-17 Thunder, collaboratively manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has garnered interest from Iraq as well. Pakistan is responsible for the airframe, while avionics are supplied by China.

Historically, Pakistan's role in the Middle East has primarily been geared toward training Arab forces rather than arms supply. If these discussions are successfully concluded, Pakistan might position itself as a crucial security provider and a notable strategic player, influencing regional conflicts.

Analysts caution that Islamabad must tread carefully amid the conflicting interests prevalent in the Arab world. For instance, the army of Sudan—which is a prospective client for Pakistani arms—receives support from Saudi Arabia, while Sudan has accused the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces, which the UAE denies. Furthermore, in Libya, Pakistan has reportedly finalized a $4 billion agreement with Khalifa Haftar, whose militia has been linked to Sudanese paramilitary tensions.

The dynamics of Yemen further complicate Pakistan's potential to serve as a weapons supplier, as Saudi Arabia and the UAE find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. “Selling the same arms systems to rival factions will not be straightforward for Pakistan,” commented Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the Riyadh-based King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies.

China’s involvement provides significant leverage to Pakistan’s arms exports. The co-produced JF-17 is regarded as a dependable option for countries like Sudan and Libya, augmenting Islamabad's geopolitical influence. Former Pakistan Armed Forces officer Sultan pointed out, “While these countries may acquire smaller quantities, Pakistan is seen as a trusted supplier owing to its strong relationship with China.”

This strategic expansion occurs amid the intensifying competition between the United States and China. Although the US continues to be the foremost global arms supplier with a 43% share in 2024, China accounts for a mere 6% of the international arms trade, a significant portion of which is directed toward Pakistan—enhancing its defence capabilities and regional sway.

Pakistan's evolving role in the Arab region marks a departure from its traditional position as a training partner for allied forces, evolving instead into a more proactive supplier of advanced military systems that could redefine strategic ties in the Middle East.