Nepal, May 6 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently deported Pakistani Shiite workers after they were removed from their jobs, citing security reasons as the war in West Asia continues. Following this, Etihad Airways abruptly terminated the jobs of 15 Pakistani employees. What was surprising was that the order asked the workers within a mere 48 hours. This incident signals a growing divide in Pakistan's relations with the UAE, especially amid the ongoing conflict in the region and Pakistan's ties with Saudi Arabia, bringing a question to the forefront: Will Pakistan change its position in the Saudi-UAE rivalry?

The Gulf conflict will likely strain the relationships between many South Asian countries and those in the Gulf region. Give...