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Polling ends for Punjab by-elections marred by clashes, vote count underway

A view of a polling station PP-217 in Multan, Pakistan on July 17, 2022. (Photo courtesy: Social media)
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Updated 17 July 2022
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Polling ends for Punjab by-elections marred by clashes, vote count underway

  • The by-elections are seen as a popularity test for the ruling PML-N and the opposition PTI parties
  • The outcome of the elections will also determine the fate of Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz
Updated 17 July 2022
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Polling for by-elections on 20 high-stakes Punjab Assembly seats, closely contested by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parties, has ended and a vote count is underway, after clashes between supporters of rival political parties in multiple areas. 




A woman cast her vote at a polling station in Pakistan's populous province Punjab on July 17, 2022. (Election commission of Pakistan)

The polling process started at 8am and continued until 5pm, after which the counting of votes is underway. The seats fell vacant after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified 25 PTI lawmakers for switching their loyalties and voting for Hamza Shehbaz in an April election for the chief minister's slot. The ECP had announced fresh polls on 20 general seats as five of the disqualified members were elected on reserved seats for women and religious minorities. 




A man cast his vote at a polling station in Pakistan's populous province Punjab on July 17, 2022. (Election commission of Pakistan)

The by-elections have dominated Pakistan’s political landscape in the recent weeks as the ruling PML-N and the opposition PTI vie for the maximum number of seats that will also determine the fate of CM Shehbaz.  

While the voting process largely remained calm in most areas, clashes were reported between the supporters of the two main political parties in Lahore’s PP-158 constituency. In a video that went viral on social media, a PML-N supporter accused PTI leader Jamshed Iqbal Cheema of inflicting a head injury on him. Police officials in Punjab said they had decided to arrest Cheema for the alleged assault, local media reported.  

PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar accused PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi of attempting to disrupt polling process in Multan and to buy people’s votes at a factory.  

The situation turned tense in Muzaffargarh when PTI leader and a close aide of former PM Imran Khan, Dr. Shahbaz Gill, was arrested for showing up at different polling booths with private guards dressed up as paramilitary FC personnel.   

Gill denied the charges and said he was arrested by the police without any warrants. He said he would announce his future course of action after holding discussions with his lawyers. 

According to Geo News, local police arrived at the scene to drive the guards out of the factory.  

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged people in a string of Twitter posts to consider the “dark days” of the PTI rule that lasted for about four years while electing their representatives.  

“Punjab has seen the worst-ever misgovernance [under the PTI rule],” he said. “Citizens were deprived of free medicines & scholarships. Civil & police transfers/postings were on sale. Quality of municipal services plummeted & lawlessness became rampant. Manner in which Punjab was treated was an insult to people.”  

Former prime minister Imran Khan applauded his party supporters for casting their ballot despite all the “harassment.”  

“I am pleased to see our voters coming out to cast their votes in large numbers & resisting all pressures & harassment,” he said on Twitter. “I want all those, esp our women, who have to still come out to cast their vote to do so as this is an election for Pakistan's sovereignty & Haqeeqi Azadi [real independence].”  

According to the local media, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of violence in different provincial assembly constituencies and will also be probing any rigging allegations.  

The Pakistan Army already said on Saturday its troops would only act as “Quick Reaction Force” to address any security issues that could arise during the polling process.  

Political analysts expect a close contest among PTI and PML-N candidates in each constituency, though a large number of independents and candidates of other parties, including the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Jamat-e-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P), Awami National Party (ANP) and Tehrik-e-Jawanan Pakistan (TJP), are also contesting the elections.  

Habib Akram, a political analyst and a TV talk show host, said the results of the by-elections on 20 seats would be crucial as they would dictate the future of the Shehbaz government in Punjab.  

“If we go by the public sentiment in each constituency, then the PTI should easily win 15 out of 20 seats,” Akram told Arab News. “People in these constituencies feel that this is a make-or-break moment for the country due to the PTI’s narrative of a ‘regime change conspiracy’.”  

He said the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of nine parties that overthrew the Khan government in the center through a no-trust vote in April, had failed to deliver on its promises.  

“The PDM’s narrative of inflation stood defeated badly just within weeks of their government when they raised fuel and electricity prices to a record level,” Akram said. “People are now buying the narrative of PTI across the Punjab province.”  

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), said the result of the by-elections would also impact the federal government, therefore, both parties put in their best to win the maximum number of seats.  

“This election will also determine if the PTI’s narrative of foreign conspiracy has resonated with the public. The PML-N is blaming the PTI for poor governance and inflation during its tenure and trying to persuade the public in its favor,” he told Arab News.  

“Apparently, the PTI has gained popularity in Punjab after its ouster from the government, but it is yet to be seen if this popularity would convert into votes on July 17.”  

Here is a list of all 20 constituencies and the candidates who won the 2018 general elections from there:

PP-7 Rawalpindi

Raja Sagheer Ahmed won the seat as an independent candidate in 2018 and later joined the PTI. Six candidates are currently contesting the election in this constituency, including two independents.

The main contest is expected between PTI’s Mohammad Shabbir Awan and Raja Sagheer Ahmed of PML-N. Other candidates include JI’s Tanveer Ahmed, Mansoor Zahoor of TLP, Raja Waseem Ahmed and Nazakat Hussain.

PP-83 Khushab

Malik Ghulam Rasool Sangha won the seat as an independent candidate in 2018. A total of ten candidates are contesting the by-election in this constituency, including seven independents. PML-N has fielded Amir Haider Sangha, PTI has nominated Hassan Malik and TLP has named Zammurad Abbas Khan its candidate.

PP-90 Bhakkar

Saeed Akbar Khan won the PP-90 seat as an independent in 2018 and later joined the PTI. Nine candidates are currently vying for this seat, including four independents.

Khan has this time been nominated by PML-N, Abdur Rauf by JUI-P, Irfanullah Khan Niazi by PTI, Mohammad Amjad Jamil by TLP and Naveed Ahsan Niaz by JI.

PP-97 Faisalabad

The seat was won by Mohammad Ajmal as an independent candidate in 2018. He too later joined the PTI. A total of 12 candidates are currently running for the provincial assembly seat, including seven independents. They include Naveed Shafee of TLP, Mohammad Sohaib Aslam of Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP), Mohammad Ajmal of PML-N, Ali Afzal Sahi of PTI and Ali Ahmad of JI.

PP-125 Jhang

Faisal Hayat won the seat as an independent candidate in 2018. A total of ten candidates are now vying for this seat, including eight independents. The main contest in the constituency is expected between Hayat, who has been nominated by the PML-N, and PTI’s Mian Muhammad Azam.

PP-127 Jhang

Mehar Muhammad Aslam won the seat as an independent in 2018 and later joined the PTI. A total of ten candidates are contesting the election in this constituency, including seven independents. They are Mehar Muhammad Nawaz of PTI, PML-N’s Mehar Muhammad Aslam and Muhammad Usman of TLP.

PP-140 Sheikhupura

Mian Khalid Mehmood won the seat as a PTI candidate in 2018, but deserted his party in 2022 and voted for Hamza Shehbaz in the chief minister’s election.

A total of ten candidates are vying for this seat, including six independents. They include Javed Iqbal of TLP, Khurram Shahzad Virk of PTI, Muhammad Tauseef of JI and Mian Khalid Mehmood of PML-N.

PP-158 Lahore

Abdul Aleem Khan won the seat on PTI’s ticket in 2018. A total of 14 candidates are contesting the election in this constituency, including eight independents. They are Jamil-ur-Rehman of the PNP, Rana Ahsan of PML-N, Umair Awan of JI, Muhammad Bilal of TLP, Muhammad Zahid Khan of Awami National Party (ANP) and Mian Muhammad Akram Usman of PTI.

PP-167 Lahore

Nazir Ahmed Chohan won the seat as the PTI candidate in 2018. A total of 11 candidates are now contesting the election in this constituency, including six independents. They include Hasnain Ahmed Shahzad of TLP, Khalil Ahmed of JI, Shabbir Ahmed of PTI, Nazir Ahmed Chohan of PML-N and Wakif Tehmasab Kayani of TJP.

PP-168 Lahore

Malik Asad Ali won the 2018 election as the PTI candidate. Nine candidates are currently vying for this seat, including five independents. They are Amjad Hussain Abbasi of TLP, Usman Ghani of JI, Muhammad Nawaz Awan of PTI, and Malik Asad Ali of PML-N.

PP-170 Lahore

Muhammad Amin Zulqarnain won the seat as the PTI candidate in 2018. Eight candidates are currently contesting the election in this constituency, including four independents. They are Jamil Ahmed of TLP, Muhammad Amin Zulqarnain of PML-N, Malik Zaheer Abbas of PTI and Waqas Ahmad Butt of JI.

PP-202 Sahiwal

Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial won the seat as the PTI candidate in 2018. Eight candidates are now contesting the by-election, including five independents. They include Umair Saleem of TLP, Muhammad Ghulam Sarwar of PTI and Malik Noman Ahmad Langrial of PML-N.

PP-217 Multan

Muhammad Salman won as an independent candidate in 2018. Four candidates are currently taking part in the by-election, including Zahid Hameed Gujjar of TLP, Sajid Ismail of JI, Mohammad Salman of PML-N and Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi of PTI.

PP-224 Lodhran

Zawar Hussain Warraich won the seat as the PTI candidate in 2018. A total of ten candidates are running for the seat now, including six independents. They include Intizar Ahmad Attari of TLP, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor of JUI-P, Zawar Hussain Warraich of PML-N and Muhammad Amir Iqbal Shah of PTI.

PP-228 Lodhran

Nazir Ahmed Khan won the constituency as the PTI candidate in 2018. Six candidates are currently contesting the election, including Syed Arshad Ali Shah of TLP, Izzat Javaid Khan of PTI, Nazir Ahmed Khan of PML-N and three independents.

PP-237 Bahawalnagar

Fida Hussain won as an independent in 2018 and later joined the PTI. Six candidates are vying for the seat now, including Syed Aftab Raza of PTI, Sabir Manzoor Wattoo of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati (PTI-N), Fida Hussain of PML-N, Mian Rashid Mahmood Wattoo of TLP and two independents.

PP-272 Muzaffargarh

Syeda Zehra Basit Bukhari won the 2018 election as the PTI candidate. Nine candidates are currently contesting the election, including Muhammad Ibrahim of TLP, Syeda Zehra Basit Bukhari of PML-N, Mohammad Moazzam Ali Khan of PTI and six independents.

PP-273 Muzaffargarh

Muhammad Sibtain Raza won the seat as the PTI candidate in 2018. Six candidates are now contesting the election, including Muhammad Shafi Khan of TLP, Muhammad Sibtain Raza of PML-N, Munawar Hussain Bukhari of Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaheed Bhutto), Yasir Arafat Khan of PTI and two independents.

PP-282 Layyah

Muhammad Tahir won as an independent in 2018 and later joined the PTI. A total of ten candidates are taking part in the election, including Qaiser Abbas Khan of PTI, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal of TLP, Muhammad Tahir of PML-N, Muzammil Abbas of PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) and six independents.

PP-288 Dera Ghazi Khan

Mohsin Atta Khan Khosa won the seat as an independent in 2018 and later joined the PTI. Six candidates are now contesting the election, including Sardar Mohammad Saifuddin Khosa of PTI, Abdul Qadir Khan of PML-N, Irfanullah of TLP and three independents.

Topics: Punjab by elections

Seven Pakistanis, including two women, feature in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list this year

Updated 11 sec ago
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Seven Pakistanis, including two women, feature in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list this year

  • The American magazine annually compiles the list to celebrate 300 young people for their innovative abilities
  • The seven Pakistanis have contributed to the fields of art and finance along with enterprise and consumer technology
Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Two women among a group of seven Pakistanis were featured in the popular Forbes 30 Under 30 list this week, earning international recognition for their leadership abilities in their respective professional fields.
The American business magazine annually compiles the 30 Under 30 list to celebrate 300 remarkable individuals under the age of 30, selected across 10 categories, each featuring 30 standout figures.
These young leaders are recognized for their innovative contributions and influence in areas such as technology, arts, finance and science, marking them as trailblazers poised to shape the future of their industries in their respective regions.
Among the fintech entrepreneurs facilitating access to capital, Forbes named Lahore-based Aleena Nadeem on top, saying her company EduFi was helping more Pakistanis go to university.
“Nadeem’s concept is simple,” the magazine wrote. “She realized some paycheck-to-paycheck families couldn’t handle lump sum payments at the start of a semester— but could afford tuition paid monthly.”
“EduFi has partnered with 27 Pakistani colleges (a number that’s doubled in the past six months), who funnel prospective customers its way,” the article added. “It does its own credit-vetting, then pays tuition for approved students who repay the loan on a monthly basis as they study.”
It also mentioned Bushra Sultan, a Pakistani filmmaker, creative director and production designer, saying her work addressed her country’s constraints on women.
“Her most notable work is in fashion and beauty,” the magazine said. “A campaign for Demesne Couture called ‘Guria’ depicted two opulently dressed women being controlled like puppets by giant hands pulling strings, a comment on the country’s wedding industry and the demands made on brides.”
“Sultan is also known for her audacious ‘Chimera’ campaign featuring headless women,” it added.
Much like Nadeem, Pakistan’s Sarkhail Bawany was listed among the fintech entrepreneurs.
Bawany is the head of product at fintech company Abhi, which empowers workers to withdraw a percentage of their salary before the next paycheck when they need emergency cash.
“Abhi works on a B2B2C model, partnering with companies such as Unilever Pakistan to offer the service as a benefit to employees,” Forbes said, adding the company had also expanded to the Middle East and Bangladesh.
Others Pakistanis on the list include Kasra Zunnaiyyer, the co-founder of Karachi-based Trukkr, which has developed a management platform for Pakistan’s logistics sector. Zunnaiyyer made it to the Forbes list in the Enterprise Technology category.
The line-up also had Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer and Ali Raza, who established the Karachi-based platform for freelancers called Linkstar.
“The company helps freelancers create free portfolio websites that can be upgraded with advanced functionalities such as international payments and social media integration,” the magazine announced.

Topics: Forbes 30 Under 30

Pakistan calls for removal of technology restrictions to aid developing nations at UN meeting

Updated 18 May 2024
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Pakistan calls for removal of technology restrictions to aid developing nations at UN meeting

  • Access to emerging technologies in the Global South is often influenced by geopolitical concerns
  • Pakistan says equitable access to technology can help developing nations meet future challenges
Updated 18 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani diplomat at the United Nations urged technology-producing nations on Friday to remove restrictions on the equitable spread of scientific knowledge and equipment, saying it would help advance developing countries.

Access to emerging technologies in the Global South is often influenced by geopolitical concerns, as international relations and trade policies can dictate the availability and distribution of these resources.

This geopolitical gatekeeping not only restricts technological advancement in less developed nations but also perpetuates global inequities in access to cutting-edge tools and innovations.

In case of Pakistan, US export controls limit access to high-end technologies, particularly those with dual-use capabilities that might be diverted for military purposes.

“Unless fair and equitable access to new and emerging technologies is provided to developing countries, and all undue restrictions removed, the Global South will lag even further behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting.

According to an official statement, he underscored the transformative power of science in improving lives and anticipating threats through climate modeling, disease surveillance, and early warning systems.

Additionally, he highlighted Pakistan’s significant strides in nuclear technology, space exploration and biotechnology, saying that his country wanted to leverage scientific advancements for progress and stability.

“New and emerging technologies play an undeniable role in the progress of any society and in maintaining international peace and security when used in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter,” he continued.

Ambassador Jadoon mentioned Pakistan’s concerns about the unregulated military applications of emerging technologies and supported calls for establishing legally-binding norms to regulate their use, ensuring regional and global stability.

He affirmed his country’s commitment to unlocking the potential of science for peace and progress, advocating for responsible scientific practices and international cooperation to build a safer and more prosperous future.

 

Topics: UN Security Council

Students urge government for evacuation as five Pakistanis injured in Kyrgyzstan mob violence

Updated 18 May 2024
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Students urge government for evacuation as five Pakistanis injured in Kyrgyzstan mob violence

  • Around 6,000 Pakistanis are studying in Bishkek, where violence erupted after some Egyptians quarreled with locals
  • Pakistan embassy has asked students to stay indoors, though many of them suspect resumption of violence tonight
Updated 18 May 2024
Aamir Saeed & NAIMAT KHAN

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan on Saturday urged their country’s administration to make arrangements for their evacuation from the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek after mob violence against foreign nationals enrolled in various universities broke out on Friday evening in which five Pakistani medical students got injured.

A Facebook post by Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in the Central Asian city said the violence began after the emergence of online videos showing a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian medical students that took place on May 13.

The mobs mostly targeted hostels of medical universities and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, in Bishkek. According to the Pakistan embassy, around 10,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in different institutes in Kyrgyzstan and nearly 6,000 of them live and study in Bishkek.

Speaking to Arab News over the phone, Rana Taha, a final year medical student in the Kyrgyz city, he was stuck at his flat with other Pakistani students without any food and water.

“We have been frantically calling our embassy and the local authorities for assistance, but they are only advising us to stay indoors,” he said. “The paramilitary troops are patrolling the streets since the situation is still not under control.”

“The locals attacked our flat twice in the early hours of the day, but luckily they failed to barge in,” he continued. “We appeal our embassy to evacuate us to safety or make arrangements for our safe flights to back home.”

Nisar Ali, a fourth-year medical student from Peshawar, said the local police appeared to be “assisting the rioters,” instead of stopping them.

“They [rioters] are not discriminating among international students,” he informed. “Although it started between Egyptian students and locals, they are now attacking every foreigner, whether they are Indian, Pakistani, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, or citizens of any other country. Every other student is injured. Several of my friends who lived in the hostel have been attacked and are severely injured.”

Ali said the violence started at about 10pm on Friday, but the Pakistan embassy did not answer the calls until morning.

“I live with Pakistani friends in an apartment,” he added. “We have locked ourselves in with all lights off. We have nothing to eat, and we cannot go out, as going out means you are going to be attacked.”

He noted some peace was restored when the army troops arrived in Bishkek, but the students were still not feeling safe.

“We appeal to the government of Pakistan to safely evacuate us,” he said.

Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Hasan Zaigham confirmed while speaking to Arab News over the phone that five Pakistani students had been injured.

“One of them is admitted in a local hospital with some jaw injuries, while four others were released after first aid,” he informed.

“No Pakistani is killed or raped in the violence,” he said, rebutting rumors on social media. “The situation is under control now as Bishkek authorities have dispersed all the miscreants.”

The ambassador said they had advised Pakistani students to stay indoors and get in touch with the embassy in case of any urgency.

“We are in touch with the local law enforcement authorities to ensure safety of our students,” he added.

However, Muhammad Waleed, a final year medical student, said they had not received any “support from the Pakistan embassy despite our repeated calls and messages,” though they were informed to stay indoors.

“I am taking shelter here in Bishkek at a human rights organization’s office along with dozens of other Pakistani students,” Waleed informed over the phone. “Most of the students are still stuck in their hostels and apartments.”

He acknowledged the situation got better when the paramilitary troops were deployed in the city, though he said the situation was still fluid.

“We want Pakistani government to immediately arrange for our safe travel to back home as the situation may escalate again once the troops are pulled out,” he added.

Raj Kumar, a resident of Tharparkar district in Pakistan, told Arab News his sister was a medical student in Bishkek, adding that students there were suspecting the resumption of violence tonight.

“Those girls including my sisters are terrified by the situation,” he said. “They need to be relocated to a safer place.”

“We want to know what is the course of action contemplated by the Pakistan embassy there and the ministry of foreign affairs in particular,” he added.

Tariq Aziz, a Karachi resident, also said his daughter was “trapped inside a flat along with three friends,” which was located opposite to the hostel that was attacked last night.

“When I talked a little while ago, my daughter told me that only one message came from the Pakistan embassy, saying not to leave the flat. But there is no guarantee that the rioters, just like they broke the doors of several other flats where students were residing, will not break door of their flat too,” he told Arab News.

“A long time has passed since the violence started. The Pakistan embassy should not send messages but arrange security for the girls and safely take them to the airport,” he added.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned Kyrgyzstan’s top diplomat in the country in response to the mob violence and handed him a protest note.

“It was impressed on the Kyrgyz charge d’affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens,” it said in a statement.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Pakistani foreign office spokeswoman, said the Pakistani embassy had responded to hundreds of queries by students and their families. She said the country’s envoy and his team were available on the emergency contact numbers: +996555554476 and +996507567667.

“In case the numbers do not connect because of phone traffic, please text/WhatsApp,” Baloch said on X.

The Pakistani embassy reported earlier it had been able to contact over 250 students and their family members in Pakistan, adding the violence appeared to be directed at all foreign students and was not specific to Pakistanis.

It said this was an evolving situation and they would inform the Pakistani community in Kyrgyzstan and their relatives in Pakistan about any further developments.

 

Topics: Kyrgyzstan Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan mob violence in Kyrgyzstan

PM Sharif constitutes Economic Advisory Council as Pakistan aims to put economy on track

Updated 18 May 2024
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PM Sharif constitutes Economic Advisory Council as Pakistan aims to put economy on track

  • The EAC is non-constitutional, independent body that advises the government on important economic issues
  • Pakistan is currently navigating a tricky path to economic recovery after it narrowly escaped default last year
Updated 18 May 2024
KHURSHID AHMED   

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted an eight-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC), the Finance Division said on Saturday, as the South Asian country aims to revive its struggling $350 billion economy.
The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) is a non-constitutional, independent body in Pakistan formed to advise the government, more specifically the prime minister, on economic issues of national significance.
Pakistan, which has been facing low foreign exchange reserves, currency devaluation and high inflation, last month completed a short-term $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program that helped stave off a sovereign default.
However, the South Asian country is still dealing with a high fiscal shortfall and while it has controlled its external account deficit through import control mechanisms, it has come at the expense of stagnating growth, which is expected to be around 2 percent this year, compared to negative growth last year.
“The EAC will be chaired by the prime minister, who will convene its meeting with any required frequency,” the Finance Division said in a notification.
The council members include Jahangir Tareen, Saquib Sherazi, Shahzad Saleem, Musadaq Zulqarnain, Ijaz Nabi, Asif Peer, Ziad Bashir and Salman Ahmed.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s talks with the IMF for a fresh bailout after its $350 billion economy slightly stabilized following the completion of the last IMF program, with inflation coming down to around 17 percent in April from a record high of 38 percent in May last year.
While Islamabad has said it expects a staff-level agreement by July, both Pakistani and IMF officials have refrained from commenting on the size of the program. The South Asian country is expected to seek around $7-8 billion bailout from the global lender.
Pakistan has to meet a primary budget deficit target of Rs401 billion ($1.44 billion), or 0.4 percent of its gross domestic product, for the current fiscal year before the government presents its budget in June.

Topics: Economic Advisory Council Pakistan economy Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan will prove to be ‘game changer’ in bilateral ties — minister

Updated 18 May 2024
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Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan will prove to be ‘game changer’ in bilateral ties — minister

  • Pakistan’s deputy PM this month said the much-awaited visit was ‘on the cards,’ but neither side has confirmed any dates
  • The statement came amid Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase bilateral trade and reach investment agreements
Updated 18 May 2024
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that a proposed visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan would prove to be a “game changer” in bilateral ties between both countries, adding the entire Pakistani nation was awaiting the high-profile visit.
Naqvi said this during his visit to the Saudi embassy in Islamabad, where he met the Kingdom’s ambassador, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, according to the Pakistani interior ministry. The two figures discussed matters of mutual interest, including the Crown Prince’s visit, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this month said a much-awaited visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Islamabad was “on the cards” and could materialize any time during May. But neither of the two sides has confirmed any dates.
“The historic brotherly friendship of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is turning into a beneficial economic relationship,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry.
“The people of Pakistan are looking forward to the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The visit of the Saudi Crown Prince will prove to be a game changer in relations between the two countries.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have lately been working closely to increase bilateral trade and investment deals, with the Crown Prince last month reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite an investment package of $5 billion.
A high-level Saudi business delegation, led by the Kingdom’s Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, this month visited Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, including mineral, energy, agriculture and petroleum.
“Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan in every test,” Naqvi said. “The recent visit of Saudi Arabian investors to Pakistan was very successful.”
On the occasion, the Saudi ambassador said the Kingdom attached “great importance” to its relations with Pakistan, according to the Pakistani interior ministry.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense, and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and serves as a top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.
Saudi Arabia has also often come to cash-strapped Pakistan’s aid by regularly providing it oil on deferred payment and offering direct financial support to help stabilize its economy and shore up its forex reserves.

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Mohsin Naqvi Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki

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