Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations in flux: Is Islamabad realigning its foreign policy?

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Abstract

It seems that relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lie in extraordinary flux. This SADF Working Paper starts by analysing the causes and consequences of that fact. The paper sheds light not only on possible dynamics in Pakistan’s foreign policy in relation to Saudi Arabia but also on the repercussions of said foreign policy for the region. It is argued that Islamabad is currently realigning some foreign policy parameters, foremost so as to reduce its dependency on Riyadh and readjust some of its bilateral relations, particularly as regards Iran and Turkey. This Pakistani ambition is in line with Chinese interests and is thus supported by Beijing. The paper predicts a fundamental deterioration in the ties between Riyadh and Islamabad due to a substantial clash in interests; this deterioration is to be matched by new Pakistani initiatives aiming to engage collaboration with both Iran on Afghanistan.