Daily Times

Over the years, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue building unwavering diplomatic relations based on the commitment to support each other for the promotion of the peace and prosperity. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share common religious affinity and greater extent shared foreign policy goals on global convergence on issues related to extremism, terrorism and security issues. Both states have a common urge to uplift the solidarity in the Muslim world especially Pakistan as a leading Islamic nuclear power and Saudi Arabia as powerful regional state as a custodian of Holy places of Islam. However in this case Saudi Arabia has also developed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), based in Riyadh. IMCTC has been launched by the Crown Prince in 2017 where retired General Raheel sheriff is now heading this Saudi led 41 country member alliance of which Pakistan is an important factor.

Formal diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia established and dates back to the time of independence of Pakistan however the spiritual and religious connection with the Kingdom has remained centuries old due to the pilgrimage to the sacred affinities with holy places. There was never a one way relation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Kingdom being the largest producer of oil and petrochemical products in the world has also largest export base in Pakistan while there are larger number of Pakistani skilled workers and laborers are working apart from being a key market for the goods from Pakistan. According to an estimate there are currently 1.9 million Pakistanis are based in the Kingdom creating a remittances base of over 4.5 billion USD annually. The presence of this larger number of Pakistani doctors, engineers, workers and teachers contributed towards the development of the Kingdom at the larger level hence strengthening the brotherly ties between the states. Pakistan place the Saudi Arabia as an important factor in the regional setting and its foreign policy ambitions are also connected with keeping steady and warm relations with the Kingdom.

In the complex geostrategic and geopolitical environment of the Gulf region and the entire Muslim world, Pakistan needs to play its care safe and remain neutral in order to keep and uplift its historic role of mediation among the actors in the region especially to avoid any further conflict

Over the years, there has not been any shaky patch in the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. There is a strong need that the relationship remains on the smooth footing and continue to build in the lines that may help both states to progress and reach towards their glorious future together. In the complex geostrategic and geopolitical environment of the Gulf region and the entire Muslim world, Pakistan needs to play its care safe and remain neutral in order to keep and uplift its historic role of mediation among the actors in the region especially to avoid any further conflict. The relations should be based on the sovereign protection and promotion of the national interest of the country. There is a strong need from the highest decision making quarters in Prime Minister’s office and Foreign Office to continue and uphold the historic values of diplomatic integrity, intellect and wisdom that our forefathers has maintained in history of building relations with the countries especially the Muslim world for the better good of the nation and country as a whole.

The writer is Director, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies Islamabad