In late 2016, former Pakistani army chief General Raheel Sharif was appointed head of a Saudi inspired Islamic Military Alliance Against Terrorism (IMAT) but widely perceived as a joint front against Iran. It was viewed with concern in Pakistan. Parliament had passed a unanimous resolution against joining in fratricidal wars and the whole exercise was done clandestinely with no discussion on pros and cons of this decision. There was also significant negative opinion inside the armed forces. In view of this negative environment, Raheel kept a very low profile. Suddenly, he landed in Pakistan on 10 February with a delegation of IMAT and had meetings with army chief, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, foreign minister and Senate chairman. If this visit is ground work for a more robust involvement in regional snake pit, then it is not good news for Pakistan. Saudi Crown Prince Price Muhammad Bin Salman will be visiting Pakistan on 17 February and it is expected that he will sign several lucrative economic deals. What is expected of Pakistan has not been spelled out?

Events of last five years with rise of sectarian groups on many battlefields should be note of caution for everyone. Sunni and Shia fighters from Pakistan have joined the fight. Pakistani Salafi fighters joined Daesh in Syria and fought there. Shia from Pakistan were recruited for protection of Shia holy sites in Syria. Pakistani contingent is named Zainabiyuon Brigade while Afghani Shia contingent is named Fatimayoun Brigade. Exact numbers are not known but when these fighters come back home, they will be more lethal than locals for two reasons. First, they are battle hardened from the ferocious fights and more importantly have developed international connections. Tackling them inside Pakistan can be a difficult exercise.

So far Pakistan has cashed on intra-Arab rivalry and milked feuding princes. It has secured loans from Saudi Arabia and UAE as well as some economic benefits from rival Qatar. However, such measures have limits and Pakistan needs to be very careful so that it does not get bruised in this brawl of the Princes.


Pakistan serious economic troubles are forcing it to take some decisions that are desperately needed but can have its own set of consequences. It is important to have informed debate on these issues as well as coordinated effort with saner elements of the civilian government. Otherwise, if army is perceived to be the driver of these foreign policy decisions then it will be blamed for the negative fallout.