Best of Both Sides: Pakistan lacks the leverage to be a credible interlocutor in West Asia

What Happened

Pakistan helped facilitate the April 8 ceasefire in West Asia through back-channel diplomacy, but its involvement stems from economic vulnerability rather than strategic influence. As a net energy importer facing fiscal strain, Pakistan cannot sustain high oil prices from prolonged conflict. Its strategic constraints include sectarian tensions, border instability with Afghanistan, and tensions with India. Pakistan acts as a facilitator, not formal mediator, leveraging its relationship with the US administration. However, Pakistan lacks decisive leverage and cannot enforce compliance, relying on China's influence over Tehran.

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