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This is apropos Business Recorder editorial 'Saudi-Iran tensions' carried by the newspaper yesterday. The newspaper has proffered an advice to country's policymaker in Islamabad by arguing that "Pakistan may still remain under pressure from its Gulf friends to help with the region's continuing power tussles. It needs to perform a skilful balancing act of staying neutral without damaging its friendly ties with Saudi Arabia or Iran."
Interestingly, the publication of this editorial has coincided with the coverage of the Saudi foreign minister's visit to Pakistan. At least two major English dailies of Pakistan in particular have reported that Pakistan has assured support to the kingdom while reiterating its commitment that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudi Arabia against any threat to its integrity and sovereignty. The country's Foreign Office hasn't said that Islamabad is not supporting or helping either side in the Saudi-Iran conflict.
Interestingly though, the Saudi dignitary's visit has underscored the need for our policymakers to always draw a distinction between permanent neutrality based on international law (legal or de jure neutrality) and permanent neutrality practiced on a mere principle of foreign policy (factual or de facto neutrality).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2016

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