THE CONVERGENCE OF PAKISTAN AND GULF STRATEGIC INTERESTS: AN ASSESSMENT

The regions with stakeholders beyond the region who are cooperating, competing, or complementing the ongoing security maneuverings. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is made up of six countries. These include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The GCC region has become particularly important for Asian countries, given the increasing symbiotic connections between the two sides, particularly in the energy sector. The relationship between Pakistan and the GCC countries has been multidimensional; notable of course is the GCC support to the Pakistani economy and Pakistani help to the GCC countries in the military and security arenas. Moreover, Pakistan’s strategic location and critical geographical placement, as well as the continuous efforts made by the Pakistani expatriate population to develop infrastructure and other institutions in the Gulf, have made it a natural ally of the GCC countries. However, in light of the present oil glut, Covid19 pandemic, and the resulting repatriation of Pakistani workers it is more important than ever to reassess Pakistan-GCC strategic interests. This article will showcase how the strategic outlooks of both sides converge and will also give recommendations on how the Pakistani- GCC strategic relationship can be further improved to build a more comprehensive and integrated future policy.