Saudi Arabia's special relationship with Pakistan may be on borrowed time

[Gharib Aadmi]

When India revoked the autonomy of the Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir and imposed a brutal crackdown one year ago, the response from much of the Islamic world was muted.

Pakistan, which administers part of Kashmir and rejects India’s territorial claims, strongly opposed the action. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a group of 57 states that represents the interests of Muslims worldwide, issued a critical statement.

Islamabad has never been a mere proxy of Riyadh, and cracks have been showing in their relationship for some time

But the OIC did not accept Pakistan’s request to convene a foreign ministers’ meeting to discuss the issue. And Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which once stood with Islamabad on Kashmir, did not criticise India’s move.

Far from it. The UAE honoured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a prestigious award soon after the decision was announced, and Saudi Arabia invited him to a glittering investment forum in Riyadh. Both countries have developed closer economic and security ties to India in recent years.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited New Delhi in February 2019 and pledged huge investments across multiple sectors. In August, just days after India’s Kashmir decision, a $15bn energy deal was announced.

Fed up with the Gulf states’ approach, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, lashed out at Riyadh. In very rare public criticism of the kingdom, Qureshi slammed Saudi Arabia and the OIC for their inaction, and vowed to hold a separate meeting.

This is not an idle threat. Last December, Malaysia hosted a summit including Iran, Qatar and Turkey to discuss issues affecting Muslims. Pakistan agreed to attend, but eventually withdrew under Saudi pressure.

Pakistan may be strong-armed again. Shortly after Qureshi’s interview, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia had prematurely called back a $1bn loan and had not yet renewed an agreement to defer payments on $3bn of Saudi oil imports.

Relying on Saudi largesse
This might be unrelated to Kashmir. Riyadh could be trying to plug holes in its coronavirus-stricken budget. Saudi Arabia’s economy has been hit hard by the lockdown and oil-price slump, forcing the kingdom to triple VAT and make more than $25bn in spending cuts.

The loan and payment deferrals were part of a $6bn bailout package offered by Saudi Arabia in 2018 to shore up Pakistan’s tottering economy. Over the years, Pakistan has relied heavily on Saudi oil and financial largesse.


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In return, it has exported labour to the Gulf kingdom, where more than two million Pakistani workers reside. On the security front, Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of troops to Saudi Arabia in recent decades. The two also engage in joint military training and exchanges.

While there were concerns that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan might not be as favourable to Saudi Arabia as his predecessors, he attended an investment forum in Riyadh in 2018 after many foreign dignitaries had backed out over the Jamal Khashoggi killing.

But Islamabad has never been a mere proxy of Riyadh, and cracks have been showing in their relationship for some time. For starters, Pakistan has long had cordial relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s nemesis.

Not only do the two countries share a long land border, but around 20 percent of Pakistan’s population is Shia, the majority denomination of Iran, and there have been some very prominent Pakistani Shia politicians, including the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Sectarian tensions
It is in large part because of this sizeable Shia community that Pakistan has tried to avoid taking sides in the Saudi-Iran rivalry. Signing up to Riyadh’s anti-Iran crusade could inflame sectarian tensions and plunge Pakistan into the sort of chaos seen in Syria and Iraq.

Pakistan has repeatedly voted against Saudi-backed UN resolutions that criticise Iran. In 2015, Islamabad refused to commit combat troops for the Saudi invasion of Yemen. Its refusal was all the more striking because then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was very close to the kingdom, having once sought refuge there after a military coup drove him from power in 1999.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks in Quetta in 2017 (AFP)
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks in Quetta in 2017 (AFP)
Saudi Arabia was evidently enraged by Sharif’s ingratitude and cancelled a speech he was supposed to be giving at a large gathering in Riyadh attended by US President Donald Trump in May 2017. When the Qatar crisis blew up the following month, Pakistan remained neutral.

Before becoming prime minister, Khan was conciliatory towards Iran. He strongly supported the 2015 nuclear deal and opposed the appointment of Pakistani general Raheel Sharif to head a new Saudi-backed military alliance because it might antagonise Tehran.

Since taking office, Khan has repeatedly tried to mediate between the two rivals. In 2019, after attacks on Gulf oil facilities, the prime minister travelled to Riyadh and Tehran to soothe tensions. After the US assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January, Qureshi visited the two capitals. Such efforts are not new: in 2016, Pakistani leaders conducted shuttle diplomacy to calm tensions after Saudi Arabia’s execution of a Shia cleric.

Leeway on Kashmir
Pakistan has been suspicious of Iran because of its relationship with India. But last year, India stopped importing oil from Iran due to US sanctions, and its investments in Iranian gas and infrastructure projects are on life support.

This has given Iran more leeway when it comes to Kashmir. For years, Tehran avoided wading into the dispute. But Iran’s supreme leader condemned India’s revocation of the region’s autonomy last August.

Pakistan, for its part, may gravitate increasingly towards the Turkey-Qatar-Iran-Malaysia camp

The collapse of Iran’s oil exports allowed Saudi Arabia to snap up some of its market share. India already received a sizeable portion of its oil from the kingdom, but imports increased by 32 percent after Trump reimposed sanctions on the Iranian energy sector.

At the same time, Pakistan’s economic relationship with Saudi Arabia is showing signs of long-term decline. Oil is becoming less important to Pakistan as it relies more on liquefied natural gas from Qatar and Chinese-backed coal projects.

Pakistan’s economy has typically depended heavily on remittances from workers based in the kingdom. But since the end of the global commodity boom in 2014, remittance flows have dipped, and they are set to fall dramatically this year due to Covid-19.

Migrant labour in decline
As part of a “Saudisation” push, Saudi Arabia has been on a drive to reduce migrant workers and employ more locals. This will likely pick up pace thanks to the coronavirus crisis and the drop in oil prices, which make it harder for Riyadh to subsidise unemployed Saudis.

But even with oil imports and migrant labour in decline, Pakistan’s economic relations with Saudi Arabia will still be greater than its ties to Iran. Trade with Iran in 2019 was just over $500m, a fraction of that with Saudi Arabia.


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Pakistan recently pulled out of a long-delayed gas pipeline deal with Iran because of US sanctions. Plans to link the Pakistani and Iranian ports of Gwadar and Chabahar will remain a pipe dream as long as sanctions throttle Iran’s economy.

Last year, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visited Pakistan and pledged $20bn of investment, including for a new oil refinery in Gwadar. Yet, Riyadh’s plans may be revised due to the coronavirus slowdown.

On the same overseas trip, bin Salman signed $100bn in deals with India. India’s energy-hungry economy is nine times the size of Pakistan’s, and it has far more to offer in terms of trade and investment than its crisis-prone neighbour.

Forming a united front
Pakistan will remain an important security partner for Saudi Arabia and economic cooperation will continue, albeit in reduced form. But in the longer term, New Delhi could surpass Islamabad as Riyadh’s key strategic ally in South Asia.

Pakistan, for its part, may gravitate increasingly towards the Turkey-Qatar-Iran-Malaysia camp. It has close and long-standing ties to Turkey, receives energy from Qatar, and could make more progress on Kashmir by forming a united front with those powers.

Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia will survive, but it will not be as “special” as it once was.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/saudi-arabia-pakistan-special-relationship-under-threat

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

This is ultimately a good thing for Pakistan. Saudis view Iran as their greatest enemy, and Pakistan needs to be neutral in the Saudi/Iranian feud.

The price to pay for the "special relationship" was easy when Israel was their enemy. Most Pakistanis hate Israel, so it cost nothing at all. But now the price to pay is too high.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan must do whatever is in the best interest of the greater ummat.

Saudi Arabia mayne home of Islam but the royal family of Saud doesn't have the best interest of ummah in their heart and mind. In the longer run, Pakistan must cease control of Saud and free Mecca

 

[JaDed]

Pakistan must do whatever is in the best interest of the greater ummat.

Saudi Arabia mayne home of Islam but the royal family of Saud doesn't have the best interest of ummah in their heart and mind. In the longer run, Pakistan must cease control of Saud and free Mecca

Why do you care about the Ummah, So that you can troll?

 

[Bhaijaan]

Why do you care about the Ummah, So that you can troll?

Because i am pro humanity and proudly so.

The finest Muslims you can ever find are those who truly and genuinely cafe about Ummat and a step ahead humanity in general and that is the kind of muslims/person's i respect.

 

[Greenstorm]

Pakistan must do whatever is in the best interest of the greater ummat.

Saudi Arabia mayne home of Islam but the royal family of Saud doesn't have the best interest of ummah in their heart and mind. In the longer run, Pakistan must cease control of Saud and free Mecca

I agree, Pakistanis and Turks must work together to overthrow these corrupt inept Sauds. Overthrowing the house of Sauds isn't that difficult considering the number of troops we have there but the Arabs of Saudi Arabia will not except non Arab leaders though they can be tamed.
Ummat will greatly benefit from such a move.

 

[King-Misbah]

I agree, Pakistanis and Turks must work together to overthrow these corrupt inept Sauds. Overthrowing the house of Sauds isn't that difficult considering the number of troops we have there but the Arabs of Saudi Arabia will not except non Arab leaders though they can be tamed.
Ummat will greatly benefit from such a move.

Are you crazy? The sauds are backed by the Americans and nost western nations. We should focus on our country and improve it economically first.

 

[Greenstorm]

Are you crazy? The sauds are backed by the Americans and nost western nations. We should focus on our country and improve it economically first.

Obviously these ambitions can only be pursued once we fix our own economy.

America and West will never risk a direct conflict with Pakistan and Turkey.

 

[Slog]

The article is very detailed and shows what a mess the whole thing is

Who would have predicted centuries ago that the successors of the Ottomans and Safavids would be allies one day

 

[PetroDollars]

Are you crazy? The sauds are backed by the Americans and nost western nations. We should focus on our country and improve it economically first.

Americans only, not most western nations, EU wants to get out of the petrodollar and use Euros, why do you think saddam was disposed and ISIS unleashed to block the shia cresent pipeline to europe. EU and USA are at war.

 

[sa88]

Pakistan must do whatever is in the best interest of the greater ummat.

Saudi Arabia mayne home of Islam but the royal family of Saud doesn't have the best interest of ummah in their heart and mind. In the longer run, Pakistan must cease control of Saud and free Mecca

Wrong! Pakistan should do what is in the best interests of Pakistan. There’s no such thing as ummah. Only a fool would think otherwise.

Pakistan needs to break its reliance on the gulf petro states. Oil is on the way out anyway. Much better for Pakistan to focus its energies on its own interests which should be based on developing the economy.

 

[Greenstorm]

Wrong! Pakistan should do what is in the best interests of Pakistan. There’s no such thing as ummah. Only a fool would think otherwise.

Pakistan needs to break its reliance on the gulf petro states. Oil is on the way out anyway. Much better for Pakistan to focus its energies on its own interests which should be based on developing the economy.

Interests of Pakistan are the interests of ummat anyways. Pakistan's prosperity is directly linked with ummat's prosperity.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Obviously these ambitions can only be pursued once we fix our own economy.

America and West will never risk a direct conflict with Pakistan and Turkey.

Any move to displace the Al Sauds will bring US and by extension NATO into the conflict. It wouldn't be too far fetched to think India may send boots as well as part of such a coalition to protect a very strategic and key ally.

Any forceful removal of Al Sauds is near impossible. They have too many allies.

 

[Greenstorm]

Any move to displace the Al Sauds will bring US and by extension NATO into the conflict. It wouldn't be too far fetched to think India may send boots as well as part of such a coalition to protect a very strategic and key ally.

Any forceful removal of Al Sauds is near impossible. They have too many allies.

You do not understand what Indian boots in Hejaaz means. Rest assured Indians will never send its troops anywhere near. Its not in their DNA.

Unlike us, there so called allies are not present anywhere near holy cities. The sites that matter.

 

[cricketjoshila]

You do not understand what Indian boots in Hejaaz means. Rest assured Indians will never send its troops anywhere near. Its not in their DNA.

Unlike us, there so called allies are not present anywhere near holy cities. The sites that matter.

There are plenty of muslim states who will do so in a blink of an eye and most are US allies. Heck even IA has plenty of muslim soldiers who can be sent to saudia if need be.

Yes its not in our dna to work as mercenaries.

Pakistanis like you think that you are indispensable. You are not. For US and its allies Al sauds mean more than anything Pakistan can offer.

 

[Greenstorm]

There are plenty of muslim states who will do so in a blink of an eye and most are US allies. Heck even IA has plenty of muslim soldiers who can be sent to saudia if need be.

Yes its not in our dna to work as mercenaries.

Pakistanis like you think that you are indispensable. You are not. For US and its allies Al sauds mean more than anything Pakistan can offer.

Muslim states will do what ?

Indians have never ventured outside through out its history comprising of many millenniums. I can only laugh at your idea.

And yes we are indispensable. Quaid said,

"...there is no power on Earth that can undo Pakistan".

 

[sa88]

Interests of Pakistan are the interests of ummat anyways. Pakistan's prosperity is directly linked with ummat's prosperity.

Not really...

The ummah has nothing to do with lowering infant mortality or reducing stunting of children in Pakistan.

Instead we need to focus less on the ummah. Let Falastin do Falastin. And let’s keep Pakistan’s focus on improving the lives of its own people.

 

[Greenstorm]

Not really...

The ummah has nothing to do with lowering infant mortality or reducing stunting of children in Pakistan.

Instead we need to focus less on the ummah. Let Falastin do Falastin. And let’s keep Pakistan’s focus on improving the lives of its own people.

Lowering infant mortality rate in Pakistan is beneficial for ummat hence direct relation.

 

[IAJ]

Pakistan’s stupid leaders have put the country in such a mess that Pakistan can’t given a proper statement against UAE, SaudiA, USA etc. If they say something against SaudiA they threaten to kick Pakistani workers out, asking for their loans back and even threatning with stopping the oil supply to Pakistan.

Had the leaders spent those money on education, against poverty, building strong departments they could have been self sufficient and then you actually can give statements. I heard today that many many Pakistanis have been there to build the middle east countries and look where they are and where Pakistan is. Really sad.

 

[Varun]

I'll believe it when Pakistan can start with the small step of stopping their royals shooting down innocent birds for mere pleasure in their territory.

 

[gazza619]

The best thing for Pakistan to ever happen would be if the Saudis openly oppose them. Only the wise would understand where I am coming from.

 

[JaDed]

I'll believe it when Pakistan can start with the small step of stopping their royals shooting down innocent birds for mere pleasure in their territory.

That was Qatari Emir this year, they are still in the "good" bracket.

 

[JaDed]

Pakistan’s stupid leaders have put the country in such a mess that Pakistan can’t given a proper statement against UAE, SaudiA, USA etc. If they say something against SaudiA they threaten to kick Pakistani workers out, asking for their loans back and even threatning with stopping the oil supply to Pakistan.

Had the leaders spent those money on education, against poverty, building strong departments they could have been self sufficient and then you actually can give statements. I heard today that many many Pakistanis have been there to build the middle east countries and look where they are and where Pakistan is. Really sad.

This has happened to entire South Asia.. but it was economic decisions taken by families.

 

[Varun]

That was Qatari Emir this year, they are still in the "good" bracket.

It's royals across the board actually. I guess only the big Emirs make the news though.

 

[JaDed]

It's royals across the board actually. I guess only the big Emirs make the news though.

True, says Arab royals.

 

[Syed1]

It's royals across the board actually. I guess only the big Emirs make the news though.

How about you get off high horse. For major chunk of your history you allowed game hunting of tigers. Only when the population became near extinct did it get stopped. Even now tigers are being poached by several dozens every year.

Pakistan gets paid handsome sums for these Arabs to have their fun. If bird populations are being maintained then outsiders shouldn't have an issue with it.

 

[CricketCartoons]

I'll believe it when Pakistan can start with the small step of stopping their royals shooting down innocent birds for mere pleasure in their territory.

Those are not innocent birds. Their meat has some special usage. I think these birds should be farmed and made available to desis as well and not just the wealthy sheikhs.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I'll believe it when Pakistan can start with the small step of stopping their royals shooting down innocent birds for mere pleasure in their territory.

Arabs shoot the houbara birds. Westerners come and shoot the Markhor.

Its done for money, and not as a favor to Arabs or Westerners.

And in the case of trophy hunting the Markhor, its actually increased its population, as the villager protect the animals, so only those who can pay the large amount of money can hunt it.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Those are not innocent birds. Their meat has some special usage. I think these birds should be farmed and made available to desis as well and not just the wealthy sheikhs.

The Arabs think the meat is "Aphrodisiac".

 

[CricketCartoons]

Arabs shoot the houbara birds. Westerners come and shoot the Markhor.

Its done for money, and not as a favor to Arabs or Westerners.

And in the case of trophy hunting the Markhor, its actually increased its population, as the villager protect the animals, so only those who can pay the large amount of money can hunt it.

This is true. If regulated, hunting helps the ecology. Hunting is basically harvesting like we do for other forest products.

is the licence available to citizens as well if they pay the required money?

 

[CricketCartoons]

The Arabs think the meat is "Aphrodisiac".

What is that, never heard of it before.
Edit: never mind. just googled.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

What is that, never heard of it before.
Edit: never mind. just googled.

Now you know. And based on the size of the subcontinent population, clearly desi men dont need this meat.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

I'll believe it when Pakistan can start with the small step of stopping their royals shooting down innocent birds for mere pleasure in their territory.

Pakistanis' opinion towards Saudis is changing dramatically.

In these past few weeks whenever there was a mention of Saudi Arabs and MBS, random uncles who rarely swear were swearing at them. If this serves as an indicator...

 

[Nervesofsteel]

MBS is a progressive leader who wants to take Saudi forward & eventually make it a somewhat progressive country like UAE, Qatar.

On the other hand, Imran Khan is hell bent on handing Pakistan over to right wing extremists on a platter.

2 different ideologies can never sustain a good, healthy relationship & sooner or later this was bound to happen & if I was in Saudi's place I would have done exactly the same.

And no I'm not a PML N or PPP supporter...infact I had high hopes from Imran Khan & Bajwa combo after Raheel Sharif steered this country in the right direction...but these 2 have been nothing but a complete & utter disappointment.

 

[Bigboii]

You still haven't answered the question you posed to yourself.

Nah I was asking CJ this question

 

[Varun]

Pakistanis' opinion towards Saudis is changing dramatically.

In these past few weeks whenever there was a mention of Saudi Arabs and MBS, random uncles who rarely swear were swearing at them. If this serves as an indicator...

Why, what has particularly changed in the last few weeks? The UAE - Israel thing you mean?

 

[the Great Khan]

Why, what has particularly changed in the last few weeks? The UAE - Israel thing you mean?

Kashmir..its always been a sore point with Pakistanis especially the older gen who say " when have they come to help us or the kashmiris" etc etc..SMQ linking kashmir with saudi and the OIC has just freed people to say what they've wanted to. Also most Pakistanis follow the barelvi school of thought (hanafi but with more sufism) and have a heavy dislike of "wahabism"...

 

[the Great Khan]

also from the coversations above: guys we're not living in a pre 18th century world. its post 18th century. You cant just say "arabs" or "Hindus" or "Jews" and just blanket a people. We live in the era of the nation state. Saudi are not "the arabs". ANymore than Israel are the "jews" ..its about countries and their interests and geopolitics..lets move on from the "aryans and scythians" for goodness sakes..

 

[Uzi]

One thing is amazing. I know this is an open forum as Pakistanis are generally good at inviting all and give them opportunities to air their viewz but I really find it amazing in every Pakistan-SaudiA thread there is massive indian posters contribution, why is that?

They care deeply about Pakistan, hence why they are on PP. I find their concern very heartwarming and it almost brings a tear to the eye. To all Indian posters here, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to this forum. It wouldn't be the same without you.

 

[Mesozoic]

One thing is amazing. I know this is an open forum as Pakistanis are generally good at inviting all and give them opportunities to air their viewz but I really find it amazing in every Pakistan-SaudiA thread there is massive indian posters contribution, why is that?

Your answer is in the very first sentence of the OP.

 

[topspin]

One thing is amazing. I know this is an open forum as Pakistanis are generally good at inviting all and give them opportunities to air their viewz but I really find it amazing in every Pakistan-SaudiA thread there is massive indian posters contribution, why is that?

Inflated self-importance and they have nothing better to do than flip poppadoms.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Inflated self-importance and they have nothing better to do than flip poppadoms.

Incorrect. If they had inflated self importance they'd be on American or Japanese forums, telling everyone how they will be leading the world by 2025. But they are not, they prefer to play in the third division, so I guess they know their level.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

In recent weeks, the “brotherly” relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — with decades of close economic, political, and military ties — has hit a bump in the road. The immediate reason: On August 5, the one-year anniversary of India’s revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, pointedly demanded that Saudi Arabia “show leadership” on the Kashmir issue. He asked Riyadh to call a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC, which Saudi Arabia leads) to discuss it. This apparently capped months of “frustration,” according to media reports, in Islamabad at Saudi inaction on Kashmir. Qureshi also said that if Saudi Arabia did not call a meeting of OIC foreign ministers, Pakistan would be compelled to go to Muslim countries — Malaysia, Turkey, and Iran — that had voiced concern over Kashmir and stood by Pakistan’s side.

Saudi Arabia did not take kindly to this overt pressure. It immediately recalled a $1 billion loan, part of a $3 billion loan it had given Pakistan in November 2018. China stepped in to cover Pakistan with a replacement loan. A $3.2 billion Saudi oil credit facility to Pakistan has not been renewed after it expired in May this year. But while this bump in the road for the Saudi-Pakistan relationship is notable, it is premature to conclude that it will be long-lasting.

THE BACKSTORY
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long been close. The kingdom has helped bail out Pakistan’s economy at multiple points. Saudi influence in Pakistan has increased over the decades, with Saudi funding for madrassahs leading to the import of Wahhabi Islam into the country. At the same time, Pakistan also maintains a good relationship with Iran, in part because of its large Shiite minority (with Saudi Arabia taking precedence if Pakistan is forced to choose between the two). The desire to balance the relationship with Iran was one reason that Pakistan did not send troops to Yemen, per Saudi Arabia’s request, in 2015 — despite having just received a large Saudi loan. In recent months, Pakistan has stepped up this balancing act, offering and trying to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia last fall. Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken often of a foreign policy that rests on a solid relationship with all Muslim countries.

Last fall, Khan announced that he would attend Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur summit for Muslim countries to be held in December, which Saudi rivals Iran, Turkey, and Qatar would also attend (and to which Saudi Arabia was not invited). This reportedly irked Saudi Arabia, and after Khan visited the kingdom, Pakistan abruptly withdrew from the Kuala Lumpur summit, ostensibly due to Saudi pressure. Saudi Arabia officially denies pressuring Pakistan, but in his remarks this month, Qureshi implied as much when he suggested that Pakistan expected Saudi Arabia to call an OIC meeting given that Pakistan had skipped the Kuala Lumpur summit.

Saudi Arabia has not shown any interest in calling a special OIC meeting on Kashmir. The reticence is explained by economics and the kingdom’s close and growing ties with India: Bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia is $27 billion annually, whereas Pakistan-Saudi trade is just $3.6 billion. The implication, then, according to analysts, is that Saudi Arabia will not want to anger India by asserting itself on Kashmir. (Saudi Arabia, it should be noted, has also remained silent on China’s mistreatment of its Muslim minority Uighur population.)

A MINISTER GONE ROGUE OR A CONCERTED APPROACH?
Many in Pakistan were stunned by Qureshi’s recent remarks — which were out of character with anything Pakistan has officially said to Saudi Arabia in the past — and opposition parties roundly condemned them. Some wondered whether Qureshi spoke out unilaterally, but a number of factors (beyond Qureshi’s deliberative nature) suggest that he may not have acted on his own. It’s not how Khan’s government, which acts in concert with the military, conducts its foreign policy — and especially not on anything to do with Kashmir. There was no immediate rollback from the Foreign Office, which stood by the remarks; nor was Qureshi asked to issue a clarification or apology, as in the past when government members have acted on their own (for example, in September 2018, when one of Khan’s advisers said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor loans had not been negotiated fairly). It seems unlikely that Qureshi acted without explicit approval from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Instead, his interview may have been a risky pressure tactic on Saudi Arabia that backfired.

A MILITARY TRIP TO THE KINGDOM
Pakistan has sought to downplay the Saudi response and the recall of the loan. But soon after Pakistan paid back the loan, it was announced that army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa would visit Saudi Arabia on August 17. The trip was billed as pre-planned, and for military-to-military purposes. Before the trip, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s PR arm, sought to dispel the idea of a rift, saying the relationship with Saudi Arabia “is historic, very important and excellent, and will remain excellent. There should be no doubt about it.” He also said Saudi “centrality” to the Muslim world was clear.

If the army chief’s visit was a damage-control trip, it’s unclear that it worked. Details were kept quiet, and it played out as it was billed, for military-to-military meetings. There was no official press release from the ISPR, and Riyadh released a spare statement. Bajwa met the Saudi chief of general staff and the vice minister of defense, Khalid bin Salman. The director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s spy agency, accompanied him. It seems Bajwa did not meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), which is significant. Bajwa and MBS had met on the army chief’s previous visits to the kingdom, and on MBS’ visit to Islamabad last year. (MBS has had a close relationship with Khan as well, who was one of the few leaders who stood by him after the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But so did Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and MBS also visited Delhi after his Islamabad trip last year.) All in all, there was no big rapprochement.

LOOKING AHEAD
If Pakistan felt snubbed by how the army chief’s visit went, it has refused to acknowledged it. In an interview last week, Khan sought to dispel the sense of a rift. Yet he also seemed resigned to the idea that Saudi Arabia would not act the way Pakistan wanted on Kashmir going forward: “Saudi has its own foreign policy. We shouldn’t think that because we want something Saudi will do just that.”

What’s clear is that Pakistan’s bold move — concerted or not — didn’t work, and the Saudi response shows Pakistan that it cannot be the “brother” Pakistan wants it to be, at least on Kashmir. The whole episode only serves to reinforce China’s status as Pakistan’s closest partner — its “all-weather” friend, as Khan repeated in his interview last week. (Foreign Minister Qureshi was in China for two days last week, for the second round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, and the two countries reaffirmed their relationship as “iron brothers.”)

It’s also clear that Pakistan may have to look to other Muslim countries for the support it wants on Kashmir. Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, and Qatar seem willing to step up. But the question is whether Saudi Arabia will let Pakistan move closer to these countries. The kingdom has Pakistan in a bit of a box, and economics on its side. Pakistan can potentially rely on China to cover some Saudi loans, as it did — but likely not all, and Pakistan also relies on remittances from more than 2 million Pakistanis who have traveled to Saudi Arabia for work. It simply cannot afford to alienate the kingdom. Sure enough, late last week, the Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the OIC and recounted actions it had taken in the past on Kashmir.

For now, Pakistan may have to lay low on the issue of Kashmir’s autonomy. And while there may be cracks in the friendship with Saudi Arabia, it is premature to expect any big realignments.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/orde...-arabia-relationship-hits-a-bump-in-the-road/

 

[Nostalgic]

If push came to shove, I wouldn’t put it past the Nejdi royals to get their sectarian stooges in Pakistan to direct their ire (and their guns) towards the Pakistani state. If and when that happens, it would be a terrific opportunity to cut those outfits down to size, instead of the mollycoddling they’ve enjoyed for decades.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

If push came to shove, I wouldn’t put it past the Nejdi royals to get their sectarian stooges in Pakistan to direct their ire (and their guns) towards the Pakistani state. If and when that happens, it would be a terrific opportunity to cut those outfits down to size, instead of the mollycoddling they’ve enjoyed for decades.

Would be better to disarm them before they have a chance to attack Pakistan.

 

[Nostalgic]

Speaking of which, the liability also known as Hafiz Saeed probably finds himself in a pickle, given how his patrons are no longer even willing to pay lip service to his purported cause.

 

[Nostalgic]

Would be better to disarm them before they have a chance to attack Pakistan.

Exterminate rather than disarm. It would be one of the many fringe benefits of the impending schism with the Nejdis.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Exterminate rather than disarm. It would be one of the many fringe benefits of the impending schism with the Nejdis.

Exterminate means war, which could result in tens of thousands of deaths. Best option is to disarm and let them run for elections. They wont win one seat, but they will be mainstreamed that.

I would rename Faisalabad to Lyallpur if it wasnt a hassle, if relations get bad with Saudis. However i dont think relations will get to that point.

 

[Nostalgic]

Exterminate means war, which could result in tens of thousands of deaths. Best option is to disarm and let them run for elections. They wont win one seat, but they will be mainstreamed that.

I would rename Faisalabad to Lyallpur if it wasnt a hassle, if relations get bad with Saudis. However i dont think relations will get to that point.

You can’t cook an omelette without cracking a few eggs. Short term pain for long term gains and all that.

Faisalabad, Faisal Masjid, Shahrah-e-Faisal, a generation of boys, now men, named Faisal and Saud and Fahad and Jasim and Tamim: the magic kingdom’s deleterious influence on us has truly been holistic.

 

[Greenstorm]

If push came to shove, I wouldn’t put it past the Nejdi royals to get their sectarian stooges in Pakistan to direct their ire (and their guns) towards the Pakistani state. If and when that happens, it would be a terrific opportunity to cut those outfits down to size, instead of the mollycoddling they’ve enjoyed for decades.

You have been away for too long.

Those stooges have already been cut down to size and are no more a threat to the state.
Operation rad ul fasad has ensured that civilian militias will never be able to pose a threat to the state again.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday rejected the impression of a breakdown in Pak-Saudi ties, saying they were “long-standing” and “people-centric”.

Speaking at a media conference at the Foreign Office, Mr Qureshi said the relationship between the two countries was strong and would continue to remain so. He specially recalled the commonality of the positions of the two countries on Kashmir and Palestine disputes.

This was Mr Qureshi’s first media conference since his remarks on a television talk show earlier this month about the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) set off speculations about a possible rift in relations with the kingdom because of its perceived reluctance in allowing a meeting of the ‘Council of Foreign Ministers’ of the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries on Kashmir.

Read: Qureshi asks OIC to stop dragging feet on Kashmir meeting

Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa visited Riyadh on a day-long trip on Aug 17. The visit, the ISPR had said, was for a military dialogue, but it is believed that the two sides also discussed the controversy caused by Mr Qureshi’s remarks.

Says ties between Islamabad and Riyadh are long-standing, people-centric

There has been a visible change in the tone of the Foreign Office since Gen Bajwa’s visit. Praise for OIC’s role on Kashmir, especially its resolutions and meetings of the contact group on Kashmir, is quite pronounced. There is no more mention of Pakistan’s desire for a meeting of the foreign ministers of OIC member states.

“We are discussing various proposals about how to take the Kashmir issue forward [at OIC],” Mr Qureshi, who had on Aug 5 threatened in his TV comments to convene a meeting of Muslim countries outside the OIC, said while emphasising that neither the OIC’s position on Kashmir had any ambiguity nor had the Saudi position on the dispute changed.

The minister did not make any direct reference to his earlier comments, but at one point clarified that it was normal to have expectations in relationships. “Since Pak-Saudi ties are strong, people have expectations from them on Kashmir, which they keep expressing,” he maintained.

Talking about the United Arab Emirates’ accord with the United States and Israel for normalisation of ties with the Zionist state, he said that every country was entitled to take its own decisions, but the dominant view in the Muslim world on relations with Israel and the Palestine dispute remained unchanged. In this regard, he referred to the position taken by Saudi Arabia, which too has linked creation of a viable Palestinian state to normalisation of ties with Israel.

‘Peaceful resistance’
The foreign minister said “a peaceful resistance” had begun in occupied Kashmir against Indian government’s Aug 5, 2019 move to end the valley’s autonomy and special status, with the formation of an alliance between pro-India Kashmiri parties for challenging the Indian actions.

Representatives of six political parties in occupied Jammu and Kashmir had on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to working for restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

Mr Qureshi said it was a big thing that the pro-India parties were no more looking towards Delhi, adding that a joint statement by the Kashmiri parties was the first manifestation of an emerging political resistance movement and that people had rebelled. “This would strengthen our diplomatic outreach on Kashmir,” he maintained.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1576243/fm-rejects-impression-of-rift-in-pak-saudi-relations

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): The Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliky, wants to utilize Pakistan’s experience in the field of cricket and promote it in his country.

The ambassador, who called on the Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr. Fehmida Mirza on Monday, discussed cooperation in the field of sports between both the countries, said a press release issued here.

The ambassador said Pakistan cricket team was famous in the region due to which cricket was also becoming popular in Saudi Arabia. We want to utilize Pakistan rich experience in the field of cricket and promote it in Saudi Arabia, he said.

He said sports were very important for the people and collaboration between the countries was necessary to show the real picture of the society.

The meeting discussed in detail cooperation, sharing of experiences in different fields of sports, the potentials of both countries in sports and its utilization. They also discussed practical steps to be taken for enhancing sports relations and activities between the countries.

The minister expressed her gratitude to the ambassador for visiting her ministry and said that she believed in sports diplomacy and Pakistan has got a lot of youth bulge in sports.

There is a lot of potential and talent in athletes but they need support in terms of training in those fields where both countries have expertise. Both countries can launch initiatives such as exchange of teams and coaches for sharing of experiences and best practices in the field as athletes of both countries need further exposure, she said.

She further said that in the past Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) were signed but we need to focus on implementation for cooperation and enhancement of sports diplomacy. IPC Secretary Ghufran Memon also attended the meeting.

https://www.app.com.pk/sports/saudi...ants-to-utilize-pakistans-cricket-experience/

 

[The Viper]

FO spokesperson rejects reports of 'Saudi Arabia's role' in Pakistan's FATF assessment

Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri on Thursday rejected "false media reports" regarding Saudi Arabia's role in the assessment of Pakistan’s Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan.

The spokesperson "categorically rejected the story circulating on a segment of the media as false and baseless", said a press release.

Earlier in the day, Azhar Mashwani, Punjab chief minister's focal person for digital media, tweeted that reports of 'Saudi Arabia voting against Pakistan in FATF' was fake news and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would issue a statement on this.

"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong fraternal ties and the two countries have always cooperated with each other on all matters of bilateral, regional and international importance," said the statement by the spokesperson.

"Pakistan greatly values its relations with the brotherly Saudi Arabia and firmly rejects such malicious propaganda."

A virtual meeting of the FATF, from Oct 21-23, will decide if Pakistan should be excluded from its ‘grey list’, based on a review of Islamabad’s performance to meet global commitments and standards on fight against money laundering and terror financing (ML&TF).

The FATF plenary was earlier scheduled in June but Islamabad got an unexpected breather after the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of grave health risk following Covid-19 pandemic. The Paris-based agency also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving additional four months to Pakistan to meet the requirements.

The plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 due to ‘strategic deficiencies’ in its AML/CFT regime after a push from India supported by the US, the UK and some European countries.

The FATF will examine if the country had demonstrated remedial actions and sanctions applied in cases of AML/CFT violations, relating to terrorist financing (TF) risk management and TFS (terror financing sanctions) obligations.

The FATF will also judge if competent authorities were cooperating and taking action to identify and taking enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services (MVTS) and had proven implementation of cross-border currency and bearer negotiable instruments (BNI) controls at all ports of entry, including applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

Pakistan has also to determine if law enforcement agencies (LEAs) were identifying and investigating the widest range of terror financing activity and that TF investigations and prosecution target designated persons and entities, and those acting on behalf or at the direction of the designated persons or entities besides showing TF prosecutions result in effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1586448/f...udi-arabias-role-in-pakistans-fatf-assessment

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Surprised to see so much animosity towards Saudi Arabia from certain Pakistanis considering Saudi Arabia has given Pakistan extensive financial aid throughout the years.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Surprised to see so much animosity towards Saudi Arabia from certain Pakistanis considering Saudi Arabia has given Pakistan extensive financial aid throughout the years.

Maybe they don't like the strings which come attached to that money. Although I agree with you, if you take the money then you can't really complain about the conditions it comes with.

 

[MenInG]

India army chief embarks on ‘historic’ trip to UAE, Saudi Arabia

New Delhi, India – India’s army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane has embarked on an “historic” six-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, the first such visit to the two Gulf countries by the head of the military.

The visit by General Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is aimed at “strengthening the country’s strategic and defence cooperation” with the two nations, a statement from the Indian army said on Tuesday, adding that it is an “historic” trip.

India has had historically close economic ties with Gulf nations, as it imports a significant part of its petroleum products from the region.

Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner after China, the United States and Japan, and a leading source of energy. India imports around 18 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the country.

But in the last few years, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on boosting security and defence ties, particularly with the UAE.

“The visit of the army chief to the UAE and Saudi Arabia is in line with New Delhi’s new-found desire to expand its security partnerships with these two countries in particular and the neighbourhood in general,” Happymon Jacob, associate professor of International Studies at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, told Al Jazeera.

“The decision to have the army chief, rather than the CDS (chief of defence staff) or the NSA (national security adviser), make these visits is intriguing, though,” said Jacob, who is also the author of book Line on Fire: Ceasefire Violations and India-Pakistan Escalation Dynamics.

8.5 million Indian workers in the Gulf
The Gulf region is also home to 8.5 million Indian workers, with more than 2.7 million living in Saudi Arabia and nearly 30 percent of the UAE’s total population comprising Indians.

In recent years, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have traditionally maintained close military ties with India’s archrival Pakistan, have been warming to New Delhi.

The two countries have conferred their respective highest civilian awards on Modi – symbolising the eagerness on their part to do business with New Delhi.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are building a massive $42bn petrochemical plant in the Indian state of Maharashtra as they see India as a major consumer of energy.

Rights activists, however, have criticised Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for honouring Modi, who has been accused of marginalising India’s Muslims, the country’s largest minority.

UAE, Saudi Arabia silent on Kashmir
Last year, New Delhi revoked the constitutionally guaranteed special status of Indian-administered Kashmir – India’s only Muslim-majority region.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have maintained silence on the issue of Kashmir, angering Islamabad. Last month, the UAE stopped issuing work and tourist visas to people from 13 countries, including Pakistan.

Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the US-based Wilson Center, said the signs of a deepening India-Saudi Arabia partnership have been on display for quite some time.

“For India, it’s part of an effort to increase its partners in the Middle East, especially for energy cooperation in a period when it has cut back imports from Iran due to the US sanctions regime,” Kugelman said.

He added that the Saudi-Iranian rivalry is worsening rapidly, and especially after this new trend of several Gulf Arab states recognising Israel.

“It makes sense that Riyadh would want to bring New Delhi, which has a growing relationship with Israel, closer to its side,” he added.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020...-embarks-on-historic-trip-to-uae-saudi-arabia

 

[The Viper]

The two countries have conferred their respective highest civilian awards on Modi – symbolising the eagerness on their part to do business with New Delhi.

Highest civilian award? )

 

[Gabbar Singh]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan returns $1 bln of Saudi's loan over Kashmir stance <a href="https://t.co/GVr4b35pfV">https://t.co/GVr4b35pfV</a></p>— Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiddleEastMnt/status/1339396152911933441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Pakpak]

The relationship is pretty bad now. I was hearing how Khan told the Saudis that they have never backed Pakistan over Kashmir and at best stay silent without taking sides yet Pakistan always backs them up whenever it comes to Israel. And this will not go on. Saudis also got annoyed at rumors that Imran's cabinet has more pro Iran people. I mean it's none of their damned business. Imran also agreed to give back their loans ahead of time.

Apparently at a recent OIC meet he and MBS ignored each other as Imran deliberately spent his time with Erdogan.

I don't believe the relationship will completely break down but it's not what it was now. We can't afford for it to break down all together as that would be a massive coup for India. So I hope he has that in his mind.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The relationship is pretty bad now. I was hearing how Khan told the Saudis that they have never backed Pakistan over Kashmir and at best stay silent without taking sides yet Pakistan always backs them up whenever it comes to Israel. And this will not go on. Saudis also got annoyed at rumors that Imran's cabinet has more pro Iran people. I mean it's none of their damned business. Imran also agreed to give back their loans ahead of time.

Apparently at a recent OIC meet he and MBS ignored each other as Imran deliberately spent his time with Erdogan.

I don't believe the relationship will completely break down but it's not what it was now. We can't afford for it to break down all together as that would be a massive coup for India. So I hope he has that in his mind.

This just shows what those of us who have followed the Khan's career from his cricket days have always known: He will not back down on a matter of principle. He is Pakistan's Ertugrul, and MBS is more like a sheet wearing Sammy Davis Jr. ..Drop a few coins at his feet and he'll start dancin'.

Saudis have sold out and the Turks and Iranians will step in to take charge in the Islamic world.

 

[Mamoon]

This just shows what those of us who have followed the Khan's career from his cricket days have always known: He will not back down on a matter of principle. He is Pakistan's Ertugrul, and MBS is more like a sheet wearing Sammy Davis Jr. ..Drop a few coins at his feet and he'll start dancin'.

Saudis have sold out and the Turks and Iranians will step in to take charge in the Islamic world.

He did back down on his principle to become the PM. Years back, he assured the nation that he would not succumb to the political class and will not give party tickets to tried and tested politicians who jump from one party to another.

Once he realized that new faces don’t win votes and these tried and tested politicians have their own established voters, he backed down on his own principal and welcomed these turncoat politicians in his party so that he can capitalize and win the election.

 

[Mamoon]

Wherever we go we face humiliation. Saudis have humiliated us and pretty soon Turkey will also turn their backs on us when they find an alliance with another country more beneficial.

But that is what we deserve.

 

[AdamM97]

To be fair, it was only a matter of time before relations between Pak and Saudi deteriorated this much. Pakistan cozing up to Erdogan as well trying to maintain friendly relations with Iran while Saudi have clearly shown that they want to develop closer relations with India by not condemning India for its acts in Kashmir.

 

[Mamoon]

First we latched onto KSA and they said shoo. Now we have latched onto Turkey and even our PM is promoting their tv shows until the day they say shoo as well.

 

[watson367]

Saudis are one the biggest hypocrites. Karma will come back to haunt them sooner or later.

 

[the Great Khan]

First we latched onto KSA and they said shoo. Now we have latched onto Turkey and even our PM is promoting their tv shows until the day they say shoo as well.

thats ok, we've got you and your kind to give us endless hours of entertainment with your whining..im sure we'll be ok

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He did back down on his principle to become the PM. Years back, he assured the nation that he would not succumb to the political class and will not give party tickets to tried and tested politicians who jump from one party to another.

Once he realized that new faces don’t win votes and these tried and tested politicians have their own established voters, he backed down on his own principal and welcomed these turncoat politicians in his party so that he can capitalize and win the election.

I think there will be some pro-India Pakistanis who feel dismay at seeing a Pakistani leader show some spine, won't fit their narrative, and in your case because you can't criticise Imran for snubbing Saudis directly, now you are having to project into the future wishing fervently that Pakistan will at some point be humiliated by the Turks. Well everyone can dream and you are no exception.

 

[Mamoon]

So we are telling KSA that we always supported you on Israel but now KSA itself is ready to shake hands with Israel, leaving Pakistan in no man’s land.

We have been sold a dummy. Again.

 

[Mamoon]

.

 

[Mamoon]

Pakistan recognizes Israel and establishes diplomatic relationship in exchange for India giving up control of Kashmir.

Would Imran accept this deal and will his “conscience” allow him to?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Pakistan recognizes Israel and establishes diplomatic relationship in exchange for India giving up control of Kashmir.

Would Imran accept this deal and will his “conscience” allow him to?

Short and simple answer is no.

 

[Mamoon]

Short and simple answer is no.

I would think so to, but I don’t think it will be a very easy decision. Recognizing Israel might be a feasible price to pay for establishing perpetual leverage over India.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I would think so to, but I don’t think it will be a very easy decision. Recognizing Israel might be a feasible price to pay for establishing perpetual leverage over India.

"might be this...could be that"

To be quite honest it is simply a waste of time and energy speculating on some made up scenario.

 

[Pakpak]

This just shows what those of us who have followed the Khan's career from his cricket days have always known: He will not back down on a matter of principle. He is Pakistan's Ertugrul, and MBS is more like a sheet wearing Sammy Davis Jr. ..Drop a few coins at his feet and he'll start dancin'.

Saudis have sold out and the Turks and Iranians will step in to take charge in the Islamic world.

I was reading a report about Wikileaks in 2006 on Pakistan. American politicians were baffled at how easy it was to pressurise Pakistani politicians and how easily they were falling over to sell themselves and how hypocritical they were. They gave an example of Molana Diesel who invited the US ambassador to a lavish dinner to ask for her support in becoming the PM yet publically he'd support Taliban. The Americans said there was only one politician who seemed immune to their pressure or influence. We can guess who that one man was.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I was reading a report about Wikileaks in 2006 on Pakistan. American politicians were baffled at how easy it was to pressurise Pakistani politicians and how easily they were falling over to sell themselves and how hypocritical they were. They gave an example of Molana Diesel who invited the US ambassador to a lavish dinner to ask for her support in becoming the PM yet publically he'd support Taliban. The Americans said there was only one politician who seemed immune to their pressure or influence. We can guess who that one man was.

I have no idea who Maulana Diesel is, but the nickname is probably a good indicator as to his character. Pakistanis are simple people, they accept any fraud who parades under the guise of religion, a hangover from the Indian culture of following pirs and yogis. Personally I would follow an Ataturk who banned religion before following one of these halwa eating maulvis. Imran is made of the right stuff, religion for him is backed by deeper principles, it is not a convenient cover to give him some fake authority over the gullible public.

 

[Madplayer]

I have no idea who Maulana Diesel is, but the nickname is probably a good indicator as to his character. Pakistanis are simple people, they accept any fraud who parades under the guise of religion, a hangover from the Indian culture of following pirs and yogis. Personally I would follow an Ataturk who banned religion before following one of these halwa eating maulvis. Imran is made of the right stuff, religion for him is backed by deeper principles, it is not a convenient cover to give him some fake authority over the gullible public.

I concur. The job of the leaders is to build the character of the people of their country. In last 35 years, Pakistan has not found such leaders. Hope IK changes it.

 

[Pakpak]

I have no idea who Maulana Diesel is, but the nickname is probably a good indicator as to his character. Pakistanis are simple people, they accept any fraud who parades under the guise of religion, a hangover from the Indian culture of following pirs and yogis. Personally I would follow an Ataturk who banned religion before following one of these halwa eating maulvis. Imran is made of the right stuff, religion for him is backed by deeper principles, it is not a convenient cover to give him some fake authority over the gullible public.

Molana Diesel: Fazul-Rahman. Read up on him though I don't know if Wikipedia does him real justice as to what a pathetic corrupt man he is. Even then I feel most Pakistanis know he's a sham as he couldn't even win one seat in the last election. Molana Diesel is a name given to him by everyone in Pakistan due to his corruption.

As for Imran I agree. He's my last hope for the country. If we still had the Nawaz or Zardaris we'd be bankrupt and goners.

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2291431/pakistan-army-greatly-values-close-ties-with-saudi-arabia-gen-qamar

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that the Pakistan Army greatly values its close brotherly ties with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The army chief expressed these sentiments during a meeting with Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Mutair on Thursday.

During the meeting, regional security situation and issues of mutual interest including cooperation in the fields of defence, security and military training between the two armies were discussed, the military's media wing added.

The ISPR said that the visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army's sincere efforts in bringing peace to the region especially the Afghan Peace Process.

The COAS thanked the dignitary and said that the Pakistan Army greatly values its close brotherly ties with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In August last year, General Qamar also met Saudi military leadership and discussed military-to-military ties, training exchanges in efforts to calm diplomatic strains between the two countries over Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).

The ISPR added that he was received by Gen (Staff) Fayiadh bin Ha’med Al-Rowaily, Chief of General Staff, adding that the COAS was presented a guard of honour at the Saudi Ministry of Defence.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday appreciated the steps taken by Saudi Arabia's leadership in resolving differences among the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as the recent initiative for promoting resolution of issues in Yemen through dialogue and diplomacy.

According to a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Qureshi expressed these views during a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, who acknowledged Pakistan’s continued and steadfast support to the kingdom.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia presented a new peace initiative to end the war in Yemen, including a nationwide ceasefire and the reopening of air and sea links.

The offer was welcomed by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in a statement from the foreign ministry based in the southern port of Aden.

Read more: Saudi Arabia proposes ceasefire in Yemen

But the Houthis said the initiative provided “nothing new”, as it still fell short of their demand for a complete lifting of the blockade on Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port.

During today’s telephonic conversation, FM Qureshi underscored Pakistan’s continued support for Saudi efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region. He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the kingdom’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Praising the “Saudi Green Initiative” and the “Green Middle East Initiative” announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Qureshi termed it a major initiative for reducing global carbon emissions.

The Saudi foreign minister lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ground-breaking measures already taken in Pakistan, in the same arena.

FM Qureshi expressed Pakistan’s commitment to augmenting cooperation with the kingdom in all spheres. Appreciating the two countries’ collaboration in multilateral organisations, he hoped that this mutual support and partnership will further strengthen in future.

Reciprocating positively, Prince Faisal expressed readiness to further fortify bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

The two foreign ministers agreed to maintain a steady momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.

The kingdom has been under increasing pressure to put an end to the six-year Yemen conflict ever since new US President Joe Biden signalled that Washington would no longer support Riyadh’s intervention.

The conflict, widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been stalemated for years while millions of people are on the verge of starvation.

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Imran Khan has accepted an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman who called him on Monday.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call today from the Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman,” the PM House said in a statement.

The crown prince inquired about the prime minister’s health and wished him speedy recovery. Premier Imran has tested positive for Covid-19, the deadly viral infection caused by the novel coronavirus.

“The crown prince invited the prime minister to undertake a visit to Saudi Arabia in the near future. The prime minister graciously accepted the invitation,” reads the statement.

It added that the prime minister and the crown prince agreed to work together to further augment bilateral ties in all spheres. They also reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthening the strong and longstanding Pakistan-Saudi Arabia fraternal ties.

Premier Imran also inquired about the well-being of the crown prince who recently had had a surgical procedure.

He lauded the transformational “Green Saudi Initiative” and the “Green Middle East initiative” recently announced by the crown prince. He also highlighted Pakistan’s “10 billion Tree Tsunami” initiative, which is under way in the whole country, and its potential dividends to restore ecosystem and to combat climate change.

While highlighting the complementarities between both countries’ environmental initiatives, the prime minister hoped for enhanced bilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing in this field.

Prime Minister Imran Khan conveyed warm wishes for the custodian of the two holy mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen amiable and fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2292074/crown-prince-invites-pm-imran-to-visit-saudi-arabia