The visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister was short but eventful. He first met General Raheel Sharif to understand his mindset and to convey his expectations. Then he met the civil leadership including the Prime Minister. I am sure some sort of understanding should have been arrived at, which off course cannot be gauged from the joint communiqué. Truth always rests beneath the veneer of diplomacy.
There has been a great deal of hue and cry in different quarters regarding the dangers of deviating from strict neutrality between two “brother” countries.
The arguments advanced in favour of strict neutrality are: (a) Whereas Saudi Arab has strong ties with Pakistan, Iran is a neighbouring brother country. (b) there is a sizeable Shia minority in Pakistan whose loyalties with Iran can create an explosive situation if Pakistan takes a pro-Saudi stance in the conflict.
Both of these arguments are inherently faulty. Whereas Iran definitely is a brother country that shares borders with us, it has never been our ally. Infact Iran has better clandestine understanding with our archenemy India than it has with Pakistan. On the issue of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan can hardly be regarded as ‘harmonious’. Saudi Arab on the other hand has always been Pakistan’s ally and supporter on all issues— including the issue of Kashmir. But for Saudi Support in the post-nuclear detonation scenario, Pakistan would have been in a precarious situation.
Some intellectuals have distaste for Saudi Royalty. They should also harbour similar distaste for clerical dictatorship in Iran. Authoritarianism is a common ‘virtue’ in both.
As for the issue of the sentiments of our large Shia minority, should their loyalties be with Iran or with this country? This argument is self-defeating. If it is accepted, where should the loyalties of our vast Sunni majority lie?
We should try to act as a bridge. But that can happen only if the two adversaries accept our mediatory role.
Otherwise our strict ‘neutrality’ can make us lose a strong ally, and fail to win over Iran to our interests.
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