Dr. Imran Khurshid’s article, “Saudi Bypasses Pakistan to Invest in Afghanistan. Are Cracks Appearing in the Makkah Defense Pact?” published in EurAsian Times on September 11, 2026, examines Saudi Arabia’s decision to pursue a major energy investment in Afghanistan despite Pakistan’s opposition to the Taliban-led administration. It argues that the agreement challenges Pakistan’s traditional gatekeeping role in Afghanistan and demonstrates Riyadh’s willingness to pursue its own economic and strategic interests independently of Islamabad. The article further explores the implications for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, U.S. engagement with Afghanistan, and the broader regional balance, contending that greater direct engagement between Afghanistan and other regional and global powers could reduce Pakistan’s influence and contribute to regional stability.