Pakistan-Gulf Strategic Partnerships after the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Security Diversification, Economic Statecraft, and Regional Recalibration

Abstract

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in august 2021 altered the strategic environment in Gulf and
South Asia. Pakistan relations with GCC states have become closer with long term military
cooperation, strategic dialogue, economic interest, energy interdependence, investment and security
coordination. The post US withdrawal from Afghanistan experiences a surge in TTP threat follows by
increased tension with the TTA government. The GCC states do not want to disengage from western
security architecture but at the same time desire to diversify its security relations. The significant
development remains gradual layering of bilateral ties in broader GCC level framework through
Pakistan-GCC Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue (2022-2026) and the preliminary Free Trade
Agreement marked in 2023. Saudi investment diplomacy and continued financial support, combine
with UAE’s investment commitments further economic security nexus. In this context, Pakistan-GCC
relations have experienced strategic thickening while remaining interest driven, and short of
integrated regional security architecture. The study used the methodology of process tracing and
systematic content analysis of official documents, policy sources and peer-reviewed literature. The
study aims to examine security diversification, economic diplomacy and regional recalibrations. the
study contributes the understanding about measures both Pakistan and GCC are taking to strengthen
their relations strategically.