The highly anticipated visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan has been postponed indefinitely, with reasons remaining undisclosed. The visit, originally slated to coincide with or follow the crown prince’s official trip to Japan from May 20-23, has been deferred until mutually convenient dates can be arranged by both sides.
Speculation swirls around the postponement, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing political, social, financial, and administrative crises within Pakistan. Sources suggest potential dissatisfaction from the crown prince following statements made by certain Pakistani politicians attempting to involve Saudi Arabia in the nation’s internal affairs.
Efforts to reschedule the visit are underway, with details to be disclosed once a finalised itinerary is agreed upon by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Diplomatic channels remain active as the two nations strive to coordinate the visit “at the earliest possible opportunity.”
A Timeline of Saudi-Pakistani Relations:
– 1947: Pakistan gains independence from British rule.
– 1947: Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to recognise Pakistan’s independence.
– 1951: Diplomatic relations established between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
– 1960s: Saudi Arabia provides financial assistance to Pakistan for development projects.
– 1971: Pakistan supports Saudi Arabia during the Yemeni Civil War.
– 1973: Pakistan sends troops to Saudi Arabia in response to a request for assistance during the Saudi Arabian-Yemeni border conflict.
– 1980s: Pakistan supports the mujahideen in Afghanistan with Saudi backing against the Soviet invasion.
– 1990: Pakistan supports Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War against Iraq.
– 2000s: Cooperation between the two countries expands in various fields, including defence, energy, and trade.
– 2015: Saudi Arabia announces a $46 billion investment package in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
– 2019: Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman visits Pakistan, signing agreements worth billions of dollars and pledging support for Pakistan’s economy.
– 2021: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister visits Saudi Arabia, seeking to mend relations strained over Pakistan’s reluctance to join the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen.
– 2024: The postponed visit of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman highlights diplomatic tensions and uncertainties in Saudi-Pakistani relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended a formal invitation to the crown prince during his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. The anticipated visit was poised to usher in significant investments into various sectors of the Pakistani economy, alongside the signing of pivotal bilateral agreements aimed at bolstering trade and defence cooperation between the two nations.
Had the visit proceeded as planned, it would have marked the crown prince’s first trip to Pakistan in five years, dating back to February 2019 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. While the reasons behind the postponement remain veiled, the delay underscores the shifting dynamics in diplomatic relations, with implications for both Pakistani-Saudi ties and regional geopolitics.
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