The changing security situation in South Asia and the Middle East has important implications for Pakistan. Amid the ongoing war between Pakistan and Afghanistan, US-backed Israeli attacks on Iran are aggravating the situation. After losing a large number of its top leadership, including the Supreme Leader, Iran has retaliated harshly, spreading the conflict across the region and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
This is a complex situation for Pakistan because we are in a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia and the blockage of the Hormuz strait will rupture the major oil supply chains. Our debt-ridden economy will now have to bear a significant oil price hike. Pakistan must resolve these internal and external threats diplomatically.
Syeda Hadia Bakhtawar
Nankana Sahib
