A matter of troops

The deployment of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia isn’t something new. Our defence forces have been training the forces of various Gulf countries for a long time. There are apprehensions that sending troops to the Kingdom may annoy Iran – a friend of Pakistan. Under such circumstances, Pakistan should use diplomacy to maintain the country’s old and valued relations with both countries. It should fulfil the requirements of the Kingdom while showing Iran that it isn’t going to choose one country over the other.

In the past, Pakistan has been reluctant to develop close relations with Iran. For instance, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has largely been delayed. If we don’t show an inclination towards Iran, it will undermine Pakistan’s economic and security interests. The same should be done in the case of Yemen and alleviate its concerns. Pakistan should cash in the situation. If it is short of manpower, it should consider sending retired personnel to the Kingdom. These personnel are highly experienced and retire at an early age. By sending them to the Kingdom, Pakistan could earn a huge amount of foreign exchange that the country desperately needs.

Air-Cdre (r) Azfar A Khan

Karachi