ISLAMABAD: Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan marks the first-ever high-profile trip of such a topmost Saudi dignitary to Islamabad after 15 years.
In October, 2003, as the crown prince late King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz visited Pakistan on way back from the Islamic Summit and discussed important issues of bilateral, regional and international nature. He reiterated the commitment of both the nations to work together in seeking Islamic solidarity and projecting a positive image of Muslims and Islam in non-Muslim countries.
The crown prince had come to Pakistan in 1984 and extended full support to Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan and withdrawal of Soviet forces from the war-torn country. Crown prince Abdullah had also paid a visit to Islamabad after the May 1998 nuclear detonations by Pakistan. At the time, a historic reception was held at the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. Like some other Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia was immensely satisfied over Pakistan’s becoming a nuclear state. King Abdullah had visited Pakistan in February 2006 as well.
Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visit takes place after Saudi Arabia placed $3 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan to improve Islamabad’s foreign reserves at this time of crisis. The provision of deferred oil facility is apart from this.
As per their standard practice, the crown prince starts from Pakistan his five-nation tour that will also take him to Malaysia, China and India. He will be accompanied by a large entourage and will sign several agreements involving billions of dollars, which will be unprecedented in terms of Saudi investment.
This will be the first-ever visit of the young crown prince to Pakistan since he assumed the coveted office.
Just as Saudi Arabia gave hundred thousand barrels a day to Pakistan during the Gulf War, Riyadh also extended to Pakistan special credit during 1999-2000. Crown Prince Abdullah supported Pakistan’s stand at the Islamic Summit in Malaysia in 2003 calling for improvement of the working of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and a more proactive stand by the OIC on all issues concerning the Muslim world and its relationship with the West.
Following the nuclear tests in 1998, the Western nations imposed sanctions on Pakistan but Saudi Arabia provided 50,000 barrels of oil per day to Pakistan for one year, amounting to about one-sixth of Islamabad’s total oil imports on deferred payment terms, a major part of which was later converted into grant. It has never been a one-way relationship. Pakistan has always stood by the Arab nations in times of war and peace, and they have always reciprocated.
While there have been extremely rare visits of topmost Saudi leaders to Islamabad over the decades, successive Pakistani rulers and military leaders have been frequently going to the kingdom. Mostly, they have been seeking the Saudi financial support to get rid of Pakistan’s financial woes.
During his six-month incumbency, Prime Minister Imran Khan has twice visited Saudi Arabia, urging the kingdom to extend financial support because of the poor economic conditions.
A classic example of Saudi friendship and affection came when Pakistan was hit by a massive killer earthquake in 2005. Fund raising campaigns were launched by the Saudi government in its country. The kingdom stood out in making the largest commitment of funds for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected people and regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. A large number of women donated even their personal jewellery to help the earthquake-hit people.
Every time a top Saudi dignitary paid a visit to Pakistan, elaborate arrangements were made to welcome him. It is always accorded unparalleled importance.
There has been no regional or international issue on which the two countries ever had any differences. The crown prince’s visit is going to further strengthen the bilateral relations and bonds.