Middle Eastern adversaries Saudi Arabia and Iran have intended to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies. During meetings in Beijing that China mediated, this historic breakthrough was made. Both nations have committed to reestablishing diplomatic ties within two months as part of the accord. In 2016, diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia were broken when the latter country executed Shia preacher Nimr Al-Nimr, which infuriated Iranians and led to demonstrations. This latest move is seen as a positive towards addressing the Middle East’s protracted tensions and wars.

Being the neighbor of Iran, a partner of Saudi Arabia, and an essential ally of China, restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has ramifications and chances for Pakistan.

Being the neighbor of Iran, a partner of Saudi Arabia, and an essential ally of China, restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has ramifications and chances for Pakistan. For Pakistan, which professed neutrality but, in reality, tilted towards Saudi Arabia owing to economic dependency and religious ties, the hostility between Tehran and Riyadh has had major ramifications. Nonetheless, Pakistan has made attempts to bring the two states together. In 2016, Pakistan’s then ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif referred to mediation as a “sacred duty” between the two nations.

Imran Khan, the ex-prime minister of Pakistan at the time, traveled to Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2019 and expressed a desire to serve as a mediator. Pakistan’s foreign minister traveled to Iraq in May 2021 to support the effort to bring Saudi Arabia and Iran closer together. Iraq was actively involved in pursuing this goal. While no considerable progress was achieved at the time, this reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran had a favorable effect.

Pakistan may now maintain balanced diplomatic relations with both nations as a result of the restoration of diplomatic ties, which is a much-welcomed development. Pakistan, which has hailed the deal as a move in the right direction toward regional peace and stability

Pakistan may now maintain balanced diplomatic relations with both nations as a result of the restoration of diplomatic ties, which is a much-welcomed development. Pakistan, which has hailed the deal as a move in the right direction toward regional peace and stability, has hailed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a major breakthrough. Maintaining cordial ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran is in Pakistan’s best interest. Cross-border crime and terrorism have in the past harmed these ties; thus, it is essential to have a fair stance towards both nations in order to overcome these problems.

Also, there are enormous prospects for economic and energy linkages as a result of the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. An expansion of commercial ties between the two countries would be advantageous for Pakistan. In addition to Saudi Arabia being a big economically and having a sizable Pakistani diaspora working there, which serves as a substantial source of remittances, Pakistan’s neighbor Iran has long been a significant commercial partner.

Sunni-Shia tensions have been used as a weapon of conflict and instability by extremist organizations in Pakistan, which has long been racked by sectarian bloodshed.

Sunni-Shia tensions have been used as a weapon of conflict and instability by extremist organizations in Pakistan, which has long been racked by sectarian bloodshed. The competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran in the area has made the issue worse since both nations have tried to sway Pakistan and use sectarianism as a weapon to further their geopolitical objectives. As a result, restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia may benefit Pakistan by easing sectarian tensions and limiting the influence of extremist organizations. A more stable and peaceful Middle East would result from improved ties between these two regional heavyweights, benefiting Pakistan and the larger international community.

In addition, Pakistan has a sizable Shia community, which has long endured prejudice and marginalization. More religious tolerance and harmony in Pakistan might be encouraged by improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which would also lessen the suffering of this group. Normalization of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has the ability to affect good change in Pakistan by lowering sectarianism and increasing religious tolerance.

The friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may lead to economic and political assistance, especially when it comes to problems like Kashmir. Also, improving relations with the Gulf may provide Pakistan with new economic collaboration opportunities.

Pakistan would also have the chance to follow a neutral foreign policy, which might assist in improving relations diplomatically and economically with both nations. The friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may lead to economic and political assistance, especially when it comes to problems like Kashmir. Also, improving relations with the Gulf may provide Pakistan with new economic collaboration opportunities. Although enhancing regional security would need greater relations with Iran, the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the wider Belt and Road Initiative would depend on tight connections between China, Iran, and Pakistan.

Pakistan has a history of contributing positively to Middle Eastern affairs and has constantly supported and organized initiatives to bridge regional divides. Pakistan must continue playing this role, support keeping the positive momentum going, and contribute to a more stable and peaceful Middle East while bolstering its position as a regional player in light of the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The potential advantages for Pakistan and the rest of the region are substantial, but this will require a nuanced strategy that considers the interests and concerns of all parties involved.