Pakistan's West Asia Credibility Crisis: South Asia Tensions Inflamed?

• Pakistan faces a credibility crisis in West Asia, exposed as opportunistic and backtracking on commitments, particularly with Saudi Arabia.
• Despite a mutual defense pact and financial aid from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan shows 'cowardly silence' amid Iranian threats, engaging in secret talks with Iran.
• Historical sectarian tensions, fueled by Deobandi extremist groups supported by Pakistan's security establishment, complicate relations with Shia-majority Iran.
• Pakistan's dilemma: alienating Shia Muslims domestically by supporting Saudi Arabia or risking economic collapse by betraying its key financial ally.
• The crisis shatters Pakistan's ambition to be a key security player in West Asia and could lead to increased tensions with Afghanistan and India to rally domestic support.