The diplomat praised “the development and prosperity achieved by Morocco in its Saharan provinces,” emphasizing that any solution accepted by all parties under the auspices of the United Nations would also be acceptable to his country. A measured yet revealing statement that hints at a shift in Pakistan’s diplomacy, now attentive to the profound transformations carried out by the Kingdom in its southern provinces.
This is not the first time that Pakistan has signaled openness. Back in September 2019, former Pakistani ambassador Asghar Khan had affirmed his country’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, calling the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom in 2007 “realistic” and “in line with UN resolutions.” These positions, once isolated, are now part of a global dynamic that consolidates the rise of the Moroccan proposal as the sole path to a sustainable solution.
Starting January 1, 2025, Pakistan will sit on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. This new position offers a strategic opportunity for Morocco, whose diplomacy can leverage this mandate to strengthen the foundation of support for its sovereignty.
This rapprochement is also part of an increasingly robust military cooperation between Rabat and Islamabad. Last April, units from the Moroccan special forces conducted joint exercises with their Pakistani counterparts in Cherat, confirming the existence of a structured exchange and mutual training program. This military partnership had already begun in October 2023, when the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) participated in an international exercise organized in Pakistan.
In this context, Morocco’s strategy of diversifying its alliances once again proves effective. While Pakistan is moving closer, India – Pakistan’s historical geopolitical rival – is also strengthening its cooperation with Morocco, particularly in defense and technology sectors. This dual rapprochement highlights Morocco’s increasingly central role on the international stage.
This major diplomatic shift reflects recognition of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for an integrated, stable, and prosperous Moroccan Sahara, in service of regional peace. The international community, through an ever-growing number of partners, now seems to grasp the relevance, legitimacy, and viability of the autonomy plan as the sole framework for resolving the artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.