https://arab.news/vnncg

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s arrival in Riyadh to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference, hosted by the Saudi government, marks yet another reaffirmation of Pakistan’s deepening engagement with the Kingdom. Consequent to the September signing of the historic strategic mutual defense agreement (MDA) between the two old and close friends, their relationship has acquired significance for the entire Muslim world and particularly for the Middle East.

The Prime Minister, joined by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, will focus primarily on strengthening the bilateral relationship, and within the context of the MDA, according to which an attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other. So what will Pakistan expect under militant attacks with no efforts from Kabul to prevent them?

With Pakistan-Afghanistan relations deteriorating into open conflict, Pakistan will have expectations of Saudi Arabia to weigh in on the Taliban to agree on reining in terror groups unleashing terrorism on Pakistani soil from Afghan territory.

Pull-quote: The frequent high-level exchanges between Islamabad and Riyadh— by the Prime Minister, cabinet members, and the army chief— reflect a new momentum. 

- Nasim Zehra

It’s already been decided the army chief will be awarded the King Abdul Aziz Order— Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award— in recognition of his role in enhancing Pakistan–Saudi ties. The award was earlier given to predecessors including........

© Arab News Pakistan