The Ten Horns Of Prophecy (Dan 7/ Rev 17)

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have remained tight-lipped about their diplomatic dealings, but there is speculation the Saudis may have requested Pakistan to provide troops to protect the kingdom's interests in the region.

 Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (R) and Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al- Saud in Feb 17, 2014. (Photo: AFP/Press Information Department)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have remained tight-lipped about diplomatic dealings between the two countries.

This follows talks between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. But there is speculation the Saudis may have requested Pakistan to provide troops to protect the kingdom's interests in the region.

UNPRECEDENTED WELCOME

It was an unprecedented welcome. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was personally received by the new Saudi King when his plane touched down in Riyadh last week. 

It is not known what was discussed between the two leaders during the visit, but amid concerns over the rise of the Islamic State and the fall of a friendly regime in Yemen, some analysts believe Saudi Arabia may have been seeking military assistance from Pakistan.

There is good reason to believe Iran's ongoing nuclear negotiations with the international community, which appear close to a breakthrough agreement, may well have been part of the exchange too.
Raoof Hasan, Chief Executive of the Regional Peace Institute, said: "With the growing perception and the developments that are taking place, they may at some point in time also demand a nuclear umbrella."

Any such developments are likely to test relations between the two countries though.
Saudi Arabia has long been a close strategic ally. It hosts more than 1.7 million Pakistanis who contribute substantially to their country’s economy, while annual trade between the two states exceeds US$4.5 billion. And that could complicate Pakistan's decision-making process on these matters.

Added to that, when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s administration was toppled in October 1999, the Saudi authorities rescued him from prison and hosted him in their country for years.

KEY ROLE OF PAKISTAN'S ARMY CHIEF
Some wonder whether Mr Sharif should be the one dealing with the Saudis at this juncture.
Raoof Hasan said: "This is a very critical question: Whether the Sharifs - with the background and the patronage extended to them by the Saudi government - remain in a position to upload Pakistan’s supreme interests in negotiations with the Saudis?"

The prime minister will not be the only one calling the shots though. Pakistan's powerful army chief will be playing a key role in the decision-making process.

"Whatever his decision, it is also relevant to see whether Raheel Sharif sees eye to eye with him on this. Because in the end, it is the men in uniform who have to be sent," said S M Hali, Former Pakistan Air Force Group Captain and Defence Analyst.

Yet, there is fear among Pakistan’s strategic circles that if this matter is not handled properly, Pakistan may find itself embroiled in conflicts it needn't be involved with.