Pakistan's Sharif Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Gulf Tensions
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Saudi Arabia for a two-day trip, amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region. This visit comes as Islamabad joins a new Saudi-led Red Sea naval coalition aimed at securing waters from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Sharif's delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, army chief Asim Munir, and other cabinet members. The Pakistani leader will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The visit has two objectives: economic support and strategic coordination. Pakistan is struggling economically and hopes for increased financing from Riyadh, as well as approval of a deferred oil facility requested by Islamabad.
Umer Karim, associate fellow at King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS), said, 'Pakistan wants Saudi Arabia to increase financing and also approve the deferred oil facility requested by Pakistan.'