Abstract
Despite geographical and religious barriers, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always been trusted-partners of each other with historical linkages dating back to the period of Gandhara civilization, from the first to seventh-century AD. Their friendship strengthened during the war of 1971, when Pakistan’s jets were allowed to refuel on Sri Lankan territory despite Indian furore. The equation of trust and friendship further developed during the crisis of Jaffna, when Pakistan obliged to Sri Lankan request for military aid and airlifted Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) in an emergency from Karachi to Colombo. This helped the Sri Lankan military to push back LTTE rebels and secure Jaffna. This shows that both countries not only share cultural heritage, but also have a shared history of internal instability created by the actives of non-state actors. This, as a result, gives both nations an insight to each other’s problems, stemming from internal and external players. Historically, Sri Lanka has never wanted India to dominate the region, both economically and militarily. Thus, the resilient nature of both states in face of adversities and shared objectives makes them natural allies.