Pakistan's Silence Raises Questions Over Defense Deal With Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showed his true colors when it came to Saudi Arabia's responsibility to keep its promise. Pakistan strongly criticized the Houthi rebels when they attacked Saudi Arabia's oil tanker in the Red Sea early on Thursday. Shehbaz Sharif called the crown prince of Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with him, called Saudi a brotherly country, condemned the Houthis. But in the name of real action, Pakistan had nothing but lip service. The question is what commitment Shehbaz Sharif has made with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have a defense deal. Under this, both countries have said that an attack on one will be considered an attack on the other and both countries will respond to this attack. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea early on Thursday. According to the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Pakistan's security commitment during any such situation in Saudi Arabia was also important. Pakistan has been silent during this uprising.