LAHORE: (Tuesday, October 13, 2026): Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre (PSC) has organized a special lecture titled “Conflict in the Gulf Region: Implications for Pakistan” at the Committee Room of the Centre. The lecture featured renowned analyst Professor Dr. Hasan Askari Rizvi, Professor Emeritus as the distinguished speaker. PSC Director Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, moderator and Assistant Professor Dr Chaman Hussain, faculty members and a number of students participated in the event.

In his lecture, Dr. Askari examined the significance of conflict in the Gulf region within the broader context of international relations and regional geopolitics. The region occupies a central position in global affairs because of its energy resources, strategic maritime routes, economic importance, and complex relationships among regional and international actors. He said that developments in the Gulf can have implications extending beyond the region, particularly for countries whose economic, security, and diplomatic interests are closely connected to it. For Pakistan, he stated, the evolving regional situation raises important considerations concerning energy security, international trade, economic stability, overseas Pakistani communities, and diplomatic engagement. He claimed that in the Gulf, the USA and Israel failed to get their objectives of regime change, closure of nuclear programme of Iran. Dr. Askari further said that the classical notion of monolithic structure of security in the Gulf region has collapsed. “Security of Gulf states through the presence of US forces has proven ineffective. Russia and China also want reduced role of US in the Gulf region. As a result, the Gulf countries are now focusing to develop indigenous security systems. Pak-Saudi bilateral security agreement and later Mecca accord are the examples. In the developing situation, the economies of the oil rich Gulf countries has also been affected. The overseas workers from various countries working in the Gulf have to bear the brunt of the Gulf Crisis,” Dr Askari explained. Highlighting Pakistan’s achievement, he said that Pakistan has gained an international recognition as it won the trust of both US and Iran. He stated that after the May 2025 Pak-India battle, Pakistan received much credibility and attention of the world powers. He said that in June 2025 when US and Israel attacked Iran, Pakistan openly criticized both US and Israel. Dr. Askari further expressed that MoU between US and Iran is not fully implemented due to long standing mutual mistrust. |The US wants to stay in the region and protect its economic interests as well. Iran needs lifting of economic sanctions, and permission for peaceful use of nuclear. It wants shared control of water traffic in the strait of Hormuz,” he said. Discussing implications for Pakistan, Dr. Askari highlighted that Pakistan has security agreements with Saudi Arabia for the last many decades started in late 1960s. The relations has expanded with time. Historically Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan throughout at all levels. Pakistan's troops has been deployed in Saudi Arabia for the defence of the Holy Places and the kingdom since 1980s. Pakistan has not engaged itself for any action outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2015, The Parliament of Pakistan had resolved to protect the holy places and the Kingdom. Discussing the Houthis, Dr. Askari said as they are engaged in internal fighting with the official Government of the Yeman, so it will not be possible to attack Saudi Arabia through ground. That's why they are relying on" No Contact War". In African region there are many non-state actors who have external support but they take their decisions independently. Houthis are fighting with the Yeman government for a long period and Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Yeman government against Houthis. Dr Askari expressed that Pakistan can support Saudi Arabia in defending the Kingdom through efficient use of radar and information technology to detect the incoming drone and missiles attacks. The discussion highlighted the relevance of understanding the interaction between regional security, foreign-policy decision-making, economic interdependence, and international cooperation. He addressed issues relating to regional stability, diplomatic choices, economic and energy vulnerabilities, and Pakistan’s relationships with regional actors. Dr. Magsi emphasized the importance of examining the current situation in the Gulf through the interconnected dimensions of geopolitics, economic security, and foreign policy. He highlighted the potential implications of regional instability for Pakistan, particularly in relation to energy supplies, fluctuations in international oil prices, trade and economic pressures, the security of maritime routes, and the welfare of Pakistani citizens working in Gulf countries. He also underscored the significance of a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy that safeguards Pakistan’s national interests while maintaining constructive relations with regional states. He highlighted the need for informed policy analysis, diplomatic engagement, and sustained academic discussion to understand the challenges arising from an increasingly complex regional environment. The Director said than the special lecture formed part of the PSC’s continuing efforts to promote research, informed discussion, and scholarly engagement on issues concerning Pakistan’s political, strategic, and international environment. Through such academic activities, the Centre provides opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students to explore contemporary challenges through historical, political, and interdisciplinary perspectives.