PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Riyadh, marking his fifth meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in just six months, is a testament to Pakistan’s strategic pivot toward reinforcing ties with key allies. Held during the Water Summit in the Saudi capital, the meeting symbolized mutual respect and a shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the two nations. The Crown Prince, lauding this continued engagement, called it evidence of the enduring bond between the peoples of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This high-level diplomacy comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan. As the country grapples with unprecedented economic challenges, support from traditional allies like Saudi Arabia, China, Qatar and the UAE has become indispensable. With mounting debt repayments exceeding $100 billion over the next four years, the government is under immense pressure to meet stringent IMF conditions, address skyrocketing inflation and lift over 40% of the population out of poverty.
The Prime Minister’s Riyadh visit wasn’t merely a ceremonial event; it was an opportunity to advocate for collective global action against existential threats like climate change. At the summit, Shehbaz Sharif presented a six-point agenda addressing glacial melt, water scarcity and agricultural vulnerabilities. While these issues resonate globally, they hold particular urgency for Pakistan, a nation bearing the brunt of environmental degradation and climate-induced disasters.
Beyond climate advocacy, the visit underscored Pakistan’s broader economic and strategic agenda. In the backdrop of Riyadh, discussions about the Saudi Crown Prince’s potential visit to Pakistan added an optimistic dimension to bilateral relations. However, this is just one piece of a broader puzzle. Pakistan’s outreach extends to other strategic partners, aiming to secure immediate relief and long-term economic stability.
Notable progress was made recently during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where Pakistan and Russia agreed to begin discounted crude oil imports as early as next month. This deal promises significant financial relief, reduced energy costs for consumers and improved industrial productivity. Similarly, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Islamabad resulted in the signing of 15 agreements covering trade, education, healthcare and environmental cooperation. These developments underscore Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its economic partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.
Yet, the road to economic recovery is far from smooth. Domestic political instability, fueled by ongoing protests and sit-ins led by opposition parties, has further complicated the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed frustration with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as deliberate attempts to derail economic progress. The November 24 sit-in in Islamabad, marred by violence, property damage and attacks on law enforcement, prompted the formation of a task force to investigate the incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Prime Minister’s call for a structured code of conduct for protests, akin to models in the UK and other democracies, reflects a broader effort to strike a balance between safeguarding public order and respecting democratic rights. During the Belarusian President’s visit, the disruptive protests highlighted the need for such regulations to ensure that Pakistan’s domestic unrest does not undermine its international credibility.
Despite these hurdles, the government remains focused on driving economic stability through bold and proactive measures. By securing discounted oil from Russia, expanding trade ties with Belarus and strengthening its alliance with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is laying the groundwork for economic resilience. However, these efforts will require sustained political will, unwavering commitment and public support to translate potential into progress.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Turbat, Balochistan.
