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Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed cordial relations based on the high reverence we accord to them but ties have been restrained in recent months. The prime minister’s arrival in the Kingdom is an attempt to revive mutual cooperation between the two countries.
The situation was much different as the prime minister arrived in Jeddah where the Saudi Crown Prince was himself present at the airport to receive him. This was an unusual gesture from the Saudi leadership and there was extensive coverage in Saudi media. The Saudi royals were recently miffed at PM Imran Khan’s insistence on holding an OIC meeting on Kashmir. As the Saudi refused or showed hesitancy, they demanded Pakistan pay back a $1bn loan on deferred payments. Pakistan turned to the Chinese and repaid them to end the gratitude after which the relations remains tense.
The visit’s success is being credited to Army Chief General Bajwa who arrived a few days ago before the prime minister and even met the Saudi Crown Prince before the premier had departed. The army chief has been instrumental in maintaining cordial ties on numerous occasion in the past. Pakistan has a new envoy in Riyadh now, retired Gen Bilal Akbar, who would see his influence to revitalise ties.
The prime minister is on a new mission this time around to urge Muslim countries have a unified stance against blasphemy and urge the West that this is unacceptable under the garb of free speech. He is expected to meet OIC Secretary General during this visit. However, the prime minister shouldn’t have high hopes expecting the OIC to take a strong stance against Western countries, particularly France. The prime minister says he will convince the world to mend their way but it will be an uphill task on which he will walk alone.
Saudi Arabia is a huge market and source of remittances for Pakistan. Both countries need to set aside their differences and find ways to boost trade. More than two million Pakistanis are based there. At present, the trade volume between both countries stands at $3.6 billion but exports are only $316 million. Pakistan needs to increase the volume for its economic gain rather than receiving loans. It certainly cannot afford to stay aloof from a vital nation like Saudi Arabia.
