The modern-day Saudi Arabia is not what is was a decade ago. The emergence of the Machiavellian prince Muhammad bin Salman (or MBS) has changed the face of the country.
Realizing that the country’s oil reserves are not enough to feed its people forever, MBS has taken steps to develop tourism and other commercial activities. He has also initiated peaceful negotiations with Israel. His meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an example of his eagerness to establish the ‘unofficial diplomatic ties’ between the two states.
Saudi Arabia of MBS is also gradually shunning its traditional role as a champion of the Muslim world. He is the first Saudi leader to not decide on the basis of emotional affiliations and old friendships. Instead he prioritizes national interests — take the case of his country’s multi billionaire dollar investment in India or his cozying up with Israel.
Pakistan however is still struggling to fight extremism and sectarianism. It is still unable to realize its interests and benefits. Why is it so hard for Pakistan to understand that the success of a country is based on its regional strength and development?
So, where does Pakistan stand in this Saudi transition?
Pakistan had been a hardcore ally of Saudi Arabia in the Soviet-Afghan War. It received huge funds for the training of Wahabi madrasahs. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia tried best to satisfy the US to gain as many dollars as possible. Back then, Saudi Arabia propagated a conservative view of Islam and the same was transmitted to Pakistan, which was used as an excuse to wage jihad.
Saudi Arabia had the advantage of regional remoteness. Unlike Pakistan, it did not face the consequences of this conflict in the shape of violence and sectarianism. But Pakistan had a geographical proximity with Afghanistan, and became a victim of the rise of ethnic sectarianism. The Saudi policy to fund only the Sunni Mujahedeen to satisfy its enmity with Iran gave rise to religious sectarianism in Pakistan. This Sunni-Shia rift has seen no limits ever since.
Today, Saudi Arab is becoming friends with Israel and India, while ignoring the struggles of Palestinians and Kashmiri people. It has abandoned the Wahabi interpretation of Islam and has adopted a moderate interpretation to assimilate with the changing world politics.
Pakistan however is still struggling to fight extremism and sectarianism. It is still unable to realize its interests and benefits. Why is it so hard for Pakistan to understand that the success of a country is based on its regional strength and development?
Pakistan has a tendency to ignore its geographical strength, which, of course, is its biggest weakness as well. It has failed to re-evaluate ties with its neighbours, especially India, which not only has the potential of strengthening its economic conditions but also enhance its position globally. It must learn that regional progress is as significant as individual state advancement.
Saudi Arabia has learnt, unlearnt, and re-learnt new lessons designed for a new world. But Pakistan has unfortunately not been able to decipher this strategy. If this continues to happen, Pakistan will be left with the muck produced by other nations. Pakistan is already dealing with some of it in the shape of sectarianism and terrorism.
Saudi Arabia discontinued the policy of propagating Wahabi school of thought, in fact, the decision to no longer support the Daawah groups from Pakistan is a red signal for Pakistan to recollect its firm stance — because the ideology ingrained in its societal setup is no longer entertained by its pioneers.
