Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s inept statement has created unnecessary controversy in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. Difference of opinion on certain matters in an evolving regional and international milieu is a common occurrence, but in such situations, states resort to sub rosa diplomacy rather than irresponsible media statements.  

Foreign Minister Qureshi’s words were especially painful as they referred to a country whose long-standing relationship with Pakistan is based on religious affinity, cultural identity, shared values, and mutuality of interest. In 1966, while visiting Karachi, King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz said, “If we have shown brotherly feelings and cooperation for this Islamic country (Pakistan), it is because this is the least of what our religion and belief demand from us." Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an identity of views on international issues and have extended unequivocal support to each other at international fora.  

There is an element of romanticism about Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations anchored in history. Pakistanis have always had a sentimental relationship with Saudi Arabia. After its formation, Pakistan emerged as Saudi Arabia’s closest ally. In the 1970’s, after the discovery of oil, the relationship took a new dimension in which Pakistani engineers, doctors, bankers, highly skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workforce found an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia. This also afforded them an opportunity to satisfy their life-long desire of being close to the Haramain Sharifain. 

One has to make an effort to locate any state institution, road, bridge, underpass, or infrastructure project to which Pakistanis have not contributed. Pakistanis take pride in contributing to the development, strength, progress, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. They view their country’s destiny as intertwined with that of the kingdom.

From my own experience of working at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and interacting with a number of countries in Arab, Asian, and African regions, I sensed appreciation for the kingdom’s leadership role in the Islamic world. This has become possible due to the kingdom’s sensitivity to the plight of Muslims all over the world.

Muhammad Naeem Khan

Pakistan has no ambition or conflict of interest in the Middle East. With a population of over 200 million, sitting at the cross-roads of south, central, and west Asia, it has a large skilled workforce, strong military, and is the only country having a nuclear capability in the Islamic world with a reservoir of goodwill for Saudi Arabia.  The westernmost point of Pakistan’s coastline is in close proximity to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Hence, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are perfect partners.

Pakistanis recall with a sense of appreciation the understanding and support shown by Saudi Arabia after Pakistan’s May 1998 nuclear tests, in response to India’s nuclear tests. At that point in time, Pakistan was the most sanctioned ally of the United States and Saudi Arabia made available much needed provisions.  

Pakistanis remember with gratitude the assistance provided by the kingdom during the earthquake in 2005 and floods in 2010. I vividly recall that during one of the meetings of our prime minister with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the latter raised his two fingers together and said that he considered Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as one country. Unfortunately, during the initial days of Yemen’s crisis, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations came under stress. The 2015 parliamentary debate in Pakistan on the issue of Saudi Arabia’s request was not handled wisely.

From my own experience of working at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and interacting with a number of countries in Arab, Asian, and African regions, I sensed appreciation for the kingdom’s leadership role in the Islamic world. This has become possible due to the kingdom’s sensitivity to the plight of Muslims all over the world.

As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the king of Saudi Arabia has taken upon himself the responsibility of helping Muslim causes. The kingdom has been providing generous financial and humanitarian support to Muslim communities and countries around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of OIC and GCC headquarters gives it a holistic view of the collective interests of the Islamic world vis-à-vis the West. The kingdom’s multifaceted relationship with the United States and Europe can be beneficial to Pakistan. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s significant diplomatic weight in the Islamic world will always be available to Pakistan in pursuit of her interest.

Compared with South Asia, the political dynamics in the Middle East have undergone a rapid transformation. While in South Asia, India continues to pose an existential threat to Pakistan, the traditional threat perception of the Arab states has changed. Now, the Gulf countries perceive Iran, Houthi militias, proxies, and extremist outfits as posing a threat to their national security. Pakistan also needs to carefully assess the changing situation in the Middle East to retain its relevance and role in the Arab world.  

Kashmir is undoubtedly a key issue for Pakistan, with strong sentiments among Pakistanis in favor of their Kashmiri brethren. Saudi Arabia is sensitive to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and is pained at the human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir. This sentiment exists both at official and popular levels. The joint communique issued in 1966 at Karachi on the conclusion of King Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz’s visit to Pakistan noted that "Saudi Arabia supports the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination." Given the kingdom’s leadership of the Islamic causes, the Kashmiris would always find Saudi Arabia's government and people on their side.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia must now build on the existing strong foundation that is based on popular support in both countries. King Salman bin Abdul Aziz’s visit to Pakistan in February 2014 as crown prince and the subsequent visit of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in February 2019 gave impetus to bilateral relations.  

During the 2019 visit, Saudi delegation signed $20 billion in memorandums of understanding (MOU) for carrying out investments in various sectors in Pakistan. However, it seems the follow-up on the implementation of these agreements has not progressed satisfactorily.  

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had prepared a blueprint for strategic cooperation in 2012. It envisaged the formation of joint working groups in political, economic, trade, agriculture, defense, and other sectors. This also included regular political consultations at ministerial and leadership levels. The dialogue was meant to find avenues for reinforcing mutuality of interest through increased investments and joint-ventures in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan would be well advised to pay heed to saner voices and do whatever it takes to remove any misunderstanding in this important relationship.

*Muhammad Naeem Khan is a former ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. He also served as assistant secretary general at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.