Regional Power
Regional Power: The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan has sparked much debate. Many analysts see it as an important change in West Asia’s security system. However, the agreement’s military details remain unclear. The countries may have kept them private on purpose.
Regional Security Concerns
Some countries may join the agreement later. Kuwait and Qatar are possible members. Egypt’s absence has also raised questions. Egypt may have chosen to stay out. Saudi Arabia may also have rejected its entry. Time will show how the agreement develops.
Many analysts believe recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran changed regional thinking. They also increased doubts about the US as a reliable security partner. Gulf states have spent billions on American weapons and military equipment. Yet many now question how much protection the US can provide.
Military Alliances
The MJDA differs from the military alliances Pakistan joined after independence. Pakistan joined the Baghdad Pact and SEATO in its early years. Western powers supported both alliances. They wanted to contain Soviet and Chinese influence. Pakistan expected more support from these alliances. However, CENTO did not help Pakistan during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
The MJDA has a different structure. It brings together three independent states. It also seems separate from their individual ties with Western powers. No one expects Türkiye or Saudi Arabia to directly support Pakistan in a future conflict with India. Hopefully, such a conflict will never happen.
Regional Instability
The wider regional situation remains worrying. India has moved closer to Israel. Extreme Hindutva and Zionist groups share some views. This has strengthened their relationship. The UAE has also developed close ties with Israel.
Many countries in the region have suffered from foreign interventions. Some have become divided or unstable. Western and regional powers helped create these crises. The region’s problems also have deeper historical roots.
Colonial Impact and Intervention
European colonial powers divided the Middle East in the early 20th century. They created borders that often ignored local realities. These borders created weak and divided states.
The US entered the region during World War II. Oil played an important role in its interest. The US later helped overthrow democracy in Iran. It also strongly supported Israel. Israel emerged as a settler state while many Asian and African countries sought freedom from colonial rule. Both Gandhi and Jinnah criticized the displacement of Palestinians.
Arab Governance and Gaza
Arab governments also share responsibility for the region’s problems. Many have poor governance and authoritarian rule. They often use repression to control public unrest. However, Israel has continued its aggressive policies with strong Western support.
The situation in Gaza remains serious. Israel has continued attacks despite earlier calls for a ceasefire. Palestinians have suffered heavy losses. Many victims are civilians and children. Settlers also repeatedly attack Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli forces sometimes support them.
Regional Escalation and Diplomacy
The violence has also spread to other areas. Israel has attacked parts of southern Lebanon. It also controls areas in southern Syria. Arab governments have largely failed to take strong action. They have mostly called for restraint.
Saudi Arabia has so far avoided joining the Abraham Accords. This is notable because of its close US ties. Israel wants strong influence across West Asia and North Africa. It has already made progress toward this goal.
Regional Security Questions
The main question is whether the new security arrangement can improve the region. Can it stop the violence in Gaza? Can it repair divisions caused by foreign intervention? No one knows yet.
Military agreements alone may not solve the region’s problems. The US and its Western allies still have major influence in West Asia. Outside powers will limit any new regional security system while they continue to shape regional security affairs.
There is much talk about the “winds of change” in Pakistan. Many reports say that the government may soon create new provinces. Supporters call it the will of the people. But we must ask a basic question. Do the people really want this? Or do powerful groups want it?
Political Restructuring Debate
PML-N ministers say they know nothing about such a plan. The PPP strongly opposes new provinces. Parliament has not debated the issue. Provincial assemblies have also not discussed it. This creates serious doubts. Like the 26th and 27th Amendments, someone may prepare the plan elsewhere. Lawmakers may then simply approve it.
People have discussed a possible 28th Amendment for some time. The interior minister recently confirmed that change may come. The military spokesperson also made a statement. These statements increased public debate. People now discuss new provinces and wider governance reforms.
Pakistan’s political system faces serious problems. Everyone agrees on this point. But new provinces cannot solve these problems. The crisis goes much deeper. Pakistan needs strong institutions. It also needs better governance and real political reforms. Simply changing boundaries will not fix the system.
Regional Security Challenges
Major reforms must follow the Constitution and democratic principles. No outside force should impose such changes. Such actions could create more instability. The 26th and 27th Amendments already raised concerns about judicial independence. Another weak reform could damage the Constitution further.
Many people support new provinces and stronger local governments. They see them as tools for better governance. However, political parties have not reached an agreement. The Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. It also requires a two-thirds majority in the concerned provincial assembly. This makes the creation of new provinces difficult.
Provincial Disputes
Many people support a separate province in south Punjab. But they disagree on its basis. Some support linguistic divisions. Others prefer administrative divisions. Many people in KP also support a Hazara province. However, they still disagree over its boundaries.
Dividing Sindh remains even more controversial. The PPP strongly opposes a separate Karachi province. Some people want the federal government to control Karachi directly. Both ideas would separate Karachi from Sindh. They could also create serious conflict. Karachi plays a major role in Sindh’s economy. Dividing Balochistan could also increase its existing problems.
Local Government Failure
Pakistan should focus on local governments instead of creating new provinces. The federal government should transfer power to the provinces. The provinces should then transfer power to local governments. The 18th Amendment supports this system.
Unfortunately, the provinces have not completed this process. Local governments have lost many powers. They also face delays in elections. Punjab has not held local elections for years. This happened despite repeated Supreme Court orders. Sindh and KP have held elections. However, their local governments still have limited powers. Provincial governments also control their finances.
Strengthening Local Democracy
Karachi shows the problem clearly. It is a major city. Yet provincial ministers control many of its affairs. Balochistan has also weakened its local government system. This situation reduces public participation. It also weakens democracy at the grassroots level.
Pakistan needs a constitutional amendment to protect local governments. It should clearly define their powers. It should also make those powers compulsory. Political parties should work together on this issue. They should build consensus instead of accepting imposed reforms.
Democratic Consensus and Reform
The 18th Amendment gives us a useful example. Political parties worked together to pass it. They strengthened federalism and transferred powers to the provinces. Political parties should show the same spirit today. They should work together to strengthen local governments.
Pakistan already faces economic, political, and security crises. Another political conflict could divide the country further. Creating new provinces is not the main solution. Pakistan needs democratic reforms. It needs strong local governments and political consensus. Most importantly, it needs respect for the Constitution. Restoring democracy and constitutional supremacy can help Pakistan overcome its current crisis.
Published in Dawn, 19th August 2026
