Pakistan eyes Gulf investment, defence deals in return for playing peacemaker in Iran war

South China Morning Post Political StrategyNews ReportEN 2 min read 100% complete by Tom HussainApril 1, 2026 at 07:21 AM

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Pakistan aims to leverage its potential role as a peacemaker in the event of a US-Israel war with Iran to strengthen its position in the Middle East. The country hopes to secure defense deals and attract investment from Gulf monarchies to bolster its struggling economy and finance military expansion. Pakistan envisions itself as a key regional security provider, which it believes will enhance its standing in the Muslim world and deter India. Analysts suggest that Islamabad hopes its diplomatic efforts will translate into economic and energy support from Gulf Arab countries, Turkey, and the US, while also strengthening its defense capabilities. This strategy is viewed as symbolically important for Pakistan, reinforcing its self-perception as a major player in the Middle East.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

Pakistan fought a short air war with India last May.

factual — null100% confidence

A closer defence and security relationship with the countries in the Middle East would help Pakistan build its defence base.

quote — Husain Haqqani80% confidence

Pakistan hopes this will translate into much-needed economic investment and energy support from the Gulf Arab countries, Turkey and the US.

prediction — null70% confidence

Pakistan hopes its role in building a diplomatic off-ramp from a US-Israel war on Iran will enable it to become a key actor in the Middle East.

prediction — null70% confidence

Islamabad can capitalise on its position as peacemaker by signing defence deals with Gulf monarchies and attracting investment.

prediction — null60% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Turkey 40% Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud 50% Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif 50% Gulf Arab countries 60% Saudi Arabia 60% Israel 60% Husain Haqqani ×270% Iran 70% United States ×270% India ×270% Middle East ×380% Pakistan ×790%

Keywords

pakistan 100% defence deals 80% gulf investment 80% middle east 70% peacemaker 70% economic investment 60% regional security 60% military expansion 50% india 50% iran 40%