Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Khursheed Shah on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan over speculations that Pakistan might seek monetary assistance during the first foreign visit of the premier to Saudi Arabia. Speculations are rife that Pakistan has decided to seek economic assistance worth more than $2 billion from Saudi Arabia. However, the Foreign Office earlier in the day said that it was unaware of any such decision. Shah recalled that Imran had opposed begging in the past yet he did the same on his first visit to the Kingdom. “It is inappropriate to ask for loans on your first visit abroad,” Shah remarked. Congratulating the prime minister for performing Umrah, Shah said that Imran’s first visit should have been limited to visiting holy sites. The prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia on King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s invitation and is expected to meet both the leader as well as Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Abdul Razak Dawood, the adviser to prime minister on commerce, textile, industry, and production, is also part of the delegation to the Kingdom, leading to speculation that PM Imran may seek economic assistance from Pakistan’s oil-rich ally. Published in Daily Times, September 20th 2018.