Pakistan Expands Defense Ties and Seeks Islamic NATO in the Arab Region

Pakistan is increasingly establishing its military presence in the Arab region, a shift that may influence the strategic dynamics in South and West Asia. Leveraging its robust relationship with China, Islamabad is pursuing multi-billion-dollar arms transactions and considering a NATO-like Islamic defense collaboration with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Raza Hayat Harraj, the Defense Production Minister of Pakistan, revealed that talks for a trilateral partnership among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have been in progress for almost a year. A draft of the agreement has been circulated, with all nations now awaiting final agreement. “The trilateral agreement is in the works, with deliberations ongoing among the three countries,” Harraj mentioned.

Additionally, Pakistan is nearing completion of a $1.5-billion contract to provide arms and jets to Sudan, a crucial aid for the Sudanese military amid its ongoing strife with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Further, negotiations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing to convert approximately $2 billion in loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, continuing the military collaboration initiated by last year's defense pact.

Though these agreements may not rank among the largest globally, they underscore Pakistan’s increasing military influence in the Middle East. The JF-17 Thunder, developed through a collaboration between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China, has also piqued the interest of Iraq. Pakistan produces the airframe, while avionics are supplied by China.

Historically, Pakistan has primarily focused on training Arab forces rather than directly supplying weapons. If these negotiations succeed, Pakistan may emerge as a vital security provider and a significant player in the regional conflicts.

Experts caution that Islamabad must adeptly navigate the conflicting interests within the fragmented Arab world. For instance, Sudan’s military—which Pakistan may supply—receives backing from Saudi Arabia, while allegations arise that the UAE supports the Rapid Support Forces, a claim Abu Dhabi contests. Similarly, in Libya, Pakistan is reported to have signed a $4-billion agreement with Khalifa Haftar, whose militia has been linked to Sudan's ongoing paramilitary conflicts.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on opposing sides in Yemen, complicating Pakistan’s potential role as an arms supplier to various parties in the region. “It won’t be simple for Pakistan to sell the same weaponry to adversarial factions,” remarked Umer Karim, an associate at the Riyadh-based King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies.

China's involvement adds a layer of influence to Pakistan's military exports. The JF-17, co-produced with Beijing, is perceived as a dependable option for nations like Sudan and Libya, affording Islamabad additional geopolitical strength. A former officer in Pakistan's Armed Forces noted, “These nations may purchase smaller quantities, yet Pakistan is viewed as a trusted provider due to strong Chinese backing.”

This expansion transpires amidst growing global rivalry between the U.S. and China. While the U.S. retains its status as the top global arms provider with a 43% share in 2024, China accounts for 6% of worldwide arms sales, chiefly benefiting Pakistan, thereby enhancing its defense capabilities and regional sway.

Pakistan's evolving role in the Arab world signifies a transition from its traditional focus on training allied forces to a more proactive stance as a supplier of cutting-edge military equipment, potentially altering strategic relationships in the Middle East.