Pakistan has once again changed its narrative in foreign policy. This time, the target is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Islamabad is accusing the UAE of indirectly supporting “terrorist groups” such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). However, this accusation raises serious questions. After blaming India, Afghanistan, and Qatar for its internal security failures, Pakistan has now added the UAE to the list. Therefore, the real issue is not terrorism, but geopolitics and money.
At the core of this shift lies Pakistan’s deepening alignment with Saudi Arabia. Recently, Pakistan signed a defence cooperation agreement with Riyadh. At the same time, Saudi Arabia and the UAE—once close allies—are competing for influence in Yemen and the wider Red Sea–Horn of Africa region. As a result, Pakistan is being forced to take sides.
Pakistan is accusing UAE of sponsoring TTP & BLA ‘terrorists’. After India, Afg & Qatar, now it’s UAE who’s behind TTP.
Pak has taken Saudi side against UAE forgetting all favors & aid UAE has been giving.
Cc: @UAEmediaoffice @mofauaepic.twitter.com/94PtJyeUOp
— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) January 2, 2026
Saudi Arabia wants greater military support in Yemen, where its interests clash with UAE-backed groups and Iran-supported Houthis.
As per the defence pact, Pakistan have to take Saudi’s side and the Pakistani army has to fight the UAE.
Consequently, Pakistan is tilting towards Riyadh. This also explains why Pakistani voices have suddenly started creating an anti-UAE narrative. In short, Pakistan is preparing domestic justification for choosing Saudi Arabia over the UAE.
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Money Dictates Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
However, Pakistan cannot completely afford to anger the UAE. For decades, the Emirates have provided jobs, aid, remittances, and financial bailouts to Pakistan. Therefore, Islamabad has tried to “compensate” Abu Dhabi economically. Just days ago, the UAE agreed to acquire nearly US$1 billion worth of shares in the Fauji Foundation Group, a conglomerate controlled by the Pakistani military. Additionally, the UAE rolled over another US$2 billion in loans, once again keeping Pakistan’s collapsing economy afloat.
This clearly shows that Pakistan’s foreign policy is not driven by ideology or Islamic unity, but by financial desperation. While publicly accusing the UAE, the Pakistani military is quietly selling strategic assets to Emirati investors. Thus, Pakistan speaks one language for politics and another for money.
BIG
“If UAE attacks Saudi, Pakistan will consider it an attack on Pakistan”
Senior Pak defence analyst Absar Alam spews venom against UAE
Pakistan will attack UAE now 😳pic.twitter.com/8qL1bIdSBI
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) January 2, 2026
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s rivalry with the UAE is not only ideological. It is also about control—control over Yemen, Red Sea trade routes, and influence in the Horn of Africa. The situation has further intensified as Israel increases its strategic footprint in places like Somaliland. Hence, West Asia power balance is shifting, and Pakistan is being pulled in as a hired muscle.
For money, Pakistan has a long history of compromising its so-called principles. When China detained and repressed Uyghur Muslims, Pakistan remained silent because Beijing funds its economy. Similarly, when fighting in Yemen benefits Saudi Arabia, Pakistan may send troops, even if it means killing fellow Muslims backed by the UAE or Iran.
Pakistan often boasts of being an “Islamic nuclear power.” Yet, in reality, it behaves like a rent-seeking military state, ready to fight any war for cash. Whether it is Palestine, Yemen, or Afghanistan, Pakistan’s stance changes based on who pays. Under Army Chief Asim Munir, this trend has only intensified. The Pakistani army no longer protects national dignity; instead, it protects its own financial interests.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s accusations against the UAE expose its hypocrisy. Terrorism is not Pakistan’s concern—survival of its military-controlled economy is. And until this structure changes, Pakistan will continue selling loyalty, narratives, and even blood to the highest bidder.
