Thursday, 28 March 2024, 08:00:19 pm

Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will improve bilateral cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh: Experts
May 06, 2021

Dr. Talat Wizarat (IR Expert): Bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia hold great significance in Islamabad's foreign policy. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major economic and social transformation. Economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is highly beneficial for both the countries. Pakistan's security forces are capable enough to defend the motherland but we must refrain from indulging in other regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia can be invited to invest in special economic zones. Pakistan needs Saudi investment to uplift the economy. Riyadh is interested in making sound investment in Gawadar.

Dr. Maria Sultan (IR Expert): Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief's visit to Saudi Arabia holds great strategic importance in contemporary political scenario of the region. Pakistan can make this visit beneficial by inviting Saudi Arabia for large investments in Pakistan. We have deep and historical ties with KSA which can be utilized for economic prosperity. We have defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Riyadh has strongly supported Islamabad's stance on Kashmir issue. The United States is using India as proxy for its strategic designs. The larger global political shifts are affecting the regional politics as well. Our oil industry can be improved with the support of Saudi Arabia. We should be looking for diversified relationship with Saudi Arabia in future.

Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui (Economist): The incumbent government has taken a number of corrective measures to revive construction industry and provide job opportunities to daily wagers. Middle class segment of the society is now able to build its own house. The low income housing scheme would generate economic activities.  PTI-led government has made it possible for a low salaried person to construct his own house.

Dr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan (IR Expert): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and deep rooted fraternal ties. KSA is a time tested friend of Pakistan. The people of Saudi Arabia have great sentiments for the people of Pakistan. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan would further strengthen ties between two brotherly states.  Pakistan is playing a significant role to bridge the gap between Riyadh and Tehran. KSA can play an important role to resolve Kashmir dispute and defuse tension between Pakistan and India.