Pakistan’s geopolitical importance in South Asia remains pivotal in 2025, shaped by complex regional dynamics and deepening engagement with the Middle East. Since his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in November 2022, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has steered the Pakistan military through a period of tactical refinement, institutional reform, and enhanced regional cooperation. This analysis examines Pakistan’s current strategic posture in South Asia, its evolving Middle Eastern partnerships, and the implications of Munir’s leadership on national security and regional stability.
Strategic Posture in South Asia
The enduring rivalry between Pakistan and India continues to dominate South Asian security concerns. The Kashmir dispute remains a flashpoint, with sporadic ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) persisting despite bilateral ceasefire agreements, notably the 2021 LoC ceasefire that largely reduced major hostilities. However, incidents such as the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing and subsequent Indian airstrikes in Balakot highlighted the fragile nature of peace in the region.
Under Field Marshal Munir’s command, the Pakistan Army has emphasised calibrated deterrence balanced with diplomatic engagement. Munir’s intelligence background has informed a nuanced approach to counterinsurgency and border management, avoiding escalation while ensuring operational readiness. Military modernisation has accelerated, with continued advancements in missile technology exemplified by the Shaheen-III missile, which Pakistan successfully test-fired in September 2022, boasting a range of approximately 2,750 kilometres and reinforcing strategic deterrence against Indian targets deep within its territory.
Further, Pakistan has integrated modern surveillance capabilities, including the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time reconnaissance along the LoC. These capabilities enhance Pakistan’s defensive posture while supporting intelligence-driven operations against militant groups. Pakistan’s army spokesperson, Major General Babar Iftikhar, stated in a 2023 briefing, “Our forces remain vigilant and committed to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, while supporting diplomatic efforts to maintain peace.”
Engagement with the Middle East
Pakistan’s historical and cultural ties with the Middle East underpin its continued strategic engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan has long provided military training and advisory support to these states, with Pakistani officers playing prominent roles in the Saudi military education system.
Under Munir’s stewardship, these military ties have been reinforced. Joint exercises, such as the “Zarb-e-Momin” drills with Saudi forces and “Al Saif” naval exercises with the UAE, have increased in frequency and scope, reflecting mutual interests in counterterrorism, maritime security, and regional stability. The Pakistan Navy’s presence in the Arabian Sea has bolstered security for critical maritime routes, including the energy supply lines vital to the GCC economies.
While Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal remains a national asset and not officially extended as a deterrent to Gulf states, its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia includes significant military cooperation. In January 2024, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed, “Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security remains steadfast, rooted in shared strategic interests and longstanding friendship.”
Economic and Strategic Opportunities
Pakistan’s geostrategic position at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East provides substantial opportunities, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC, valued at over $60 billion, connects Gwadar port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to China’s western Xinjiang region, facilitating trade, energy transport, and industrial development. Protecting these corridors remains a key priority under Munir’s leadership, with enhanced paramilitary deployments securing infrastructure projects against insurgent threats.
Labour remittances from Middle Eastern countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, constitute approximately 8% of Pakistan’s GDP, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s 2024 report. This underscores the economic imperative of strong bilateral ties. In recent diplomatic visits, Pakistani officials have secured commitments for Saudi investment in renewable energy projects, such as the $2 billion solar energy initiative announced in March 2025, signalling a diversification of economic cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
On the defence industry front, Pakistan continues to expand indigenous production capabilities. Heavy Industries Taxila and Pakistan Ordnance Factories have increased output of armoured vehicles, small arms, and missile components, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance export potential. Field Marshal Munir has publicly encouraged this shift, noting in a 2023 address, “Self-reliance in defence production is vital for Pakistan’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy.”
Challenges and Constraints
Pakistan’s progress faces significant hurdles. Economically, the IMF’s latest assessment (April 2025) highlights Pakistan’s persistent fiscal deficits, inflation rates exceeding 20%, and a debt-to-GDP ratio surpassing 70%, pressing the government to implement austerity measures and structural reforms. Political instability, characterised by frequent changes in civilian leadership and tensions between elected governments and the military, complicates policy coherence.
The unresolved Kashmir issue remains the principal regional security challenge. Both Pakistan and India maintain substantial conventional forces along the LoC, and the potential for escalation remains real. Maintaining a credible deterrent without provoking conflict requires delicate balance, as reiterated by Pakistan’s National Security Advisor, Dr. Moeed Yusuf, who stated in 2024, “Our policy is to maintain peace but remain prepared for all contingencies.”
In the Middle East, Pakistan’s diplomatic balancing act between Saudi Arabia and Iran remains complex. While Pakistan maintains diplomatic relations with both, the sectarian and geopolitical rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran demands careful navigation to avoid entanglement. Pakistan’s official stance continues to advocate for regional dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s role as a strategic actor in South Asia and the Middle East under Field Marshal Asim Munir reflects both continuity and adaptation. Military modernisation, enhanced counterterrorism efforts, and deepening ties with Gulf states and China position Pakistan as a vital regional player. Munir’s leadership, marked by pragmatism and professional military acumen, is steering Pakistan towards greater strategic stability.
However, Pakistan’s future trajectory depends on addressing economic vulnerabilities, sustaining political stability, and managing enduring regional conflicts. With prudent governance and strategic vision, Pakistan is well-placed to enhance its regional influence and contribute meaningfully to peace and stability across South Asia and the Middle East.
Ayesha Farid is a regional security specialist focusing on South Asia, with over a decade of experience analysing inter-state tensions, cross-border insurgency, and regional power dynamics. Holding a Master’s degree in International Relations and having worked with several policy think tanks and academic institutions, she offers nuanced insights into the security challenges shaping the subcontinent. Ayesha’s expertise lies in mapping military doctrines, border disputes, and regional cooperation frameworks, making her a key contributor to BDMilitary’s coverage of South Asian strategic affairs. She heads the Geopolitics & Diplomacy section at BDMilitary.
