An alleged clandestine operation by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to form a formidable military coalition, described by observers as an ‘Islamic NATO,’ is reportedly underway, with the primary stated goal of countering India. This ambitious strategy involves cultivating strategic alliances across key Middle Eastern and South Asian countries.
General Munir is reported to have recently met with the Chief of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces. During this meeting, a ‘strategic cooperation agreement’ was purportedly discussed, which may include the deployment of Pakistani troops to Jordanian territory under the banner of ‘regional stability.’ This initiative is seen as a continuation of Munir’s efforts to build a network of alliances, building on earlier engagements with Saudi Arabia and Libyan authorities.
The alleged strategic underpinnings of this proposed alliance are reportedly threefold. Firstly, it aims to utilize Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal as a basis for leadership within the Islamic world’s military sphere. Secondly, the plan reportedly involves providing military services to affluent Arab kingdoms in return for financial support, while concurrently working to undermine India’s burgeoning economic partnerships in the Gulf. Thirdly, the strategy is said to heavily rely on mobilizing support through radical Islamic ideology, appealing to a sense of religious duty among Muslim nations.
Concerns have also been amplified by controversial statements attributed to General Munir, which critics suggest have a radical tone, advocating for aggressive stances against adversaries. These alleged pronouncements are seen by some as reflecting a dangerous inclination within Pakistan’s military leadership.
However, the prospects for the success of this alleged alliance are widely considered to be dim. Many Arab nations are increasingly prioritizing economic growth and forging diverse partnerships, including substantial trade and defense ties with India. Pakistan’s persistent economic vulnerabilities and its reliance on external financial aid are viewed as significant hindrances to its ability to spearhead a major military bloc. India’s robust and expanding economic and defense collaborations across the Middle East are expected to naturally counter any such coalition, suggesting that Pakistan’s plan may ultimately falter due to these geopolitical and economic realities.