ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan has been postponed indefinitely, leaving many speculating about the reasons behind this decision.
Initially scheduled for May 19, the two-day trip has been rescheduled for a later, undisclosed date, possibly after the Hajj and Eidul Adha holidays, tentatively in the third week of June. The exact schedule is expected to be confirmed soon, according to Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
The primary purpose of MBS’s visit was to finalize crucial investment deals between the two nations. This delay comes after Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud led a delegation to Islamabad, paving the way for constructive discussions between Pakistani and Saudi officials. Notable progress has been made, particularly in negotiations concerning projects like Reko Diq and petrochemical ventures.
Analysts closely monitoring the situation believe that the postponement could provide an opportunity for both parties to further deliberate on the investment agreements and resolve any outstanding issues before the crown prince’s visit. This delay underscores the significance of ensuring all aspects of the deals are thoroughly discussed and finalized to facilitate a successful visit by MBS.