Pakistan’s Financial Ties to Riyadh Force Entry into Houthi Conflict
Pakistan is being drawn into the Yemen conflict due to a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, activated after Houthi missile strikes on Riyadh. Despite domestic opposition and diplomatic efforts to mediate with Iran, Islamabad’s financial reliance on Saudi aid and remittances limits its ability to remain neutral. Recent Houthi gains in Yemen, including control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, have triggered a joint military response involving Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani forces, though the extent of Pakistan’s direct combat role remains ambiguous.