Friday, 29 March 2024, 01:57:41 am

Analysts express satisfaction over growing Pak-Saudi cooperation in various fields
May 09, 2021

Dr. Huma Baqai (IR Expert): Pak-Saudi relations have been spanning over 70 years and Saudi Arabia is an important pillar in Pakistan's foreign policy. The current dip in relations of both the countries was due to geo-strategic environment of the region. The recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan and COAS will normalize situation to a great extent and reset the ties. Pakistan has always valued its relations with Saudi Arabia. Many MoUs have been signed during the visit of Prime Minister to Jeddah. The core objective of Pakistan is economic stability while objective of Saudi Arabia is defense cooperation. Our forces have been deployed in Saudi Arabia for the last 60 years. Pakistan is determined to strengthen its relations with KSA in all spheres. There has been a transformation in relationship between different countries. Saudi Arabia has initiated dialogue with Qatar and Iran to normalize the regional situation. In the past, the biggest challenge for Pakistan was to balance its relations with Jeddah and Tehran. Prime Minister Imran Khan for the last two years has been trying to eliminate misunderstandings between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): The visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff to Saudi Arabia at this time is of crucial importance. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have traditionally enjoyed strong relations but the bond had experienced turbulence over the past few years, mainly because of changing geopolitical realities in the region and varying responses Islamabad and Riyadh gave to meeting these challenges. The high-level visit of Prime Minister will put relations back on the track. Pakistan always has a special regard for the kingdom due to its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest places. Pakistan should by all means work towards improving and strengthening bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia. However, this should not come at the cost of sovereignty and Islamabad must remain free to take decisions regarding foreign policy that are in its best interest.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asif Yasin Malik (Defense Analyst): Pakistan has been providing defense cooperation to Saudi Arabia since the 80's and rendered its services for the protection of Haramain Sharifain. Pakistan has the world's best army and can provide its defense services to Saudi forces. For decades, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have boasted strong political, economic, and security ties. Pakistan is committed to defend the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia. If integrity of Saudi Arabia and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain is ever threatened, not only our army but every Pakistani would also stand by them. The relations between KSA and Pakistan are based on bonds of brotherhood and mutual trust and both nations will continue to play their part for peace, stability and betterment of Muslims. Saudi Arabia can take advantage of the expertise of Pakistan in war against terror.