Abstract:
The Islamic Military Alliance (IMA) of 34 countries, as
proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a force
with the purpose to defeat the soaring menace of
terrorism in Muslim states. Saudi Arabia considers
Pakistan a frontline ally and included it as a member of
this Alliance, albeit without consultation. Pakistan
declined to join. The decision has been made from a
foreign policy lens - given the country‟s relationship
with Saudi Arabia, Iran (which is not included in the
Alliance), other Shiite states and the concept of Muslim
Ummah - instead of being considered from a strategic
military perspective. Given the importance of this
development, the article raises key questions while
analysing the benefits, or otherwise, of military
alliances from the framework of military expansionism,
linking them with the mix of geostrategic complexities
faced by Pakistan. It debates the plausibility and
practicability of Pakistan joining the Middle Eastern
venture.
