Pak-Saudi relations have often been termed as special for a variety of reasons. Trade with Saudi Arabia constitutes 9% of Pakistan’s international trade volume. Saudi Arabia hosts about two million Pakistani professionals, workers and is the foremost source of remittances. As donor of bilateral economic assistance to Pakistan, the Kingdom is only second to US. Saudi authorities offered instant help to the victims of 2005 earthquake and successive floods in 2011 and 2012. Recently the Kingdom has contributed handsome amounts for two hydel energy projects. But apart from these material links, the most important bond is spiritual which is eternal. No wonder, according to a recent PEW survey, Saudi Arabia at 95% has globally the highest approval rating in Pakistan.
Security situation around both nations leaves much to be desired. There is turmoil in Iraq, a raging civil war in Syria and the political situation in Egypt is yet to stabilize. Success of Russian initiative in Syria and subsequent change in US policy was a setback for the Gulf countries. Afghanistan has entered a crucial period of withdrawal of foreign forces. But a withdrawal without a political solution there could be dangerous for that country and the region. The presence of Al Qaeda is no more localized in Afghanistan . Both nations fully realize that international relations are often not guided by the high moral principals but plain national interests. Festering problems in Palestine and Kashmir have contributed to militant thinking. Power equations in the region are changing and there is need to remain ever vigilant.
With the advent of new government last June, it was widely believed that Saudi-Pak relations would follow a new trajectory. While this relationship has grown steadily irrespective of governmental changes, personal rapport does play a role in enhancing ties. Prince Saud Al Faisal’s recent visit had high symbolic value being the first one after assumption of power by the present government. Process of close consultations has been the hallmark of this relationship since decades. I remember a remark made by the Jordanian Air Force Chief General Ehsan Sherdam to our Ambassador in Amman in 1984, “Pakistan is one country that we Arabs can fully trust”. And my seven year stint at the Pakistan Embassy Riyadh made me realise that the remark fully applied to Saudi-Pak relations.
When the late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz visited Pakistan in 1980, as Defence Minister, I was associated with the visit officially. That seminal event had set the tone of Saudi- Pak relations for many years to come. And very recently Pakistan hosted Prince Salman bin Sultan, his son, who is the Deputy Defence Minister. This visit materialized at a crucial juncture for both nations and indicated that the level of mutual trust has endured over generations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while receiving the Deputy Defence Minister in his office, aptly remarked that the current challenges necessitated further defence co-operation between the two nations. In my view bilateral co-operation in defence production and personnel training hold lot of promise.
Pakistan has consistently held the view that Saudi-Iran tension is harmful for the regional peace and harmony. It was this staunch belief that inspired Pakistan play a role to facilitate reconciliation in late 1980’s. An Islamic Foreign Ministers’ conference was scheduled in Riyadh in 1990. Though the Iran-Iraq war had ended, relations between the Kingdom and Iran were still tense. Pakistan enjoyed fraternal ties with both nations. There was a big question mark on Iranian participation in the conference. And one day before the conference, Foreign Minister Sahibzada Yaqub Khan arrived in Riyadh. He had come via Tehran and brought with him Dr. Ali Akbar Velayti, the then Iranian Foreign Minister. Ideally Pakistan should still play that role but it has become daunting because of two reasons. Pakistan faces formidable domestic problems and situation in Syria is still very tense and complicated. However, lowering of tensions between these two important regional nations should be pursued bilaterally and multilaterally through the OIC.
Saudi financial assistance for the Neelam-Jehlum and Golan Gol dam in Chitral has been significant. Saudi Arabia seems fully cognizant of Pakistan’s energy problems. It has also contributed liberally to the reconstruction of housing, schools, hospitals and roads in Waziristan, Kurram and Mohmand agencies to facilitate early return of the IDPs.
I remember, way back in 1986, ADA, a public sector Pakistani firm had contracts for a number of development projects in Riyadh. Due to financial problems, the company had failed to meet the deadlines on some projects. Saudi authorities issued termination orders in order to hand over the work to some other company. ADA was under Pakistani Ministry of Interior and late Mr.Aslam Khattak arrived in Taif to meet his counterpart Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Interior Minister (later Crown Prince). A meeting was held between the two ministers which I happened to attend as interpreter. Prince Naif issued orders there and then that the contracts be restored. Present Interior Minister, who is his son, is likely to visit Pakistan soon.
To me, the visit of Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, is significant. It may witness signing of bilateral security agreement which includes whole gamut of security related subjects. It would encompass measures against human and drug trafficking as well as the authenticity of documents. Saudi-Pak interaction has increased manifold in recent years and it necessitates signing of this agreement.
These successive visits signify deepening of bilateral co-operation. Pak-Saudi ties are assuming a strategic dimension. Love for Saudi Arabia in the hearts of Pakistani people, as attested by the PEW survey, is the solid basis on which these strategic ties will be built for mutual benefit and regional peace. One thing is certain, Pak-Saudi co-operation was not and will not be aimed against a third nation. This special relationship has been consistent and endured over three generations.
The writer is a retired ambassador and head of Islamabad Centre for Political Studies.
Email:javedhafiz@hotmail.com