Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations

Pakistan has enjoyed warm relations with Saudi Arabia since the birth of the country in
1947. The relations are rooted in the centuries old religious, cultural and commercial
links between the two peoples. The relationship is also based on shared Islamic ideals.
Pakistan is the only state founded on Islamic identity while Saudi Arabia is the birth-
place of the Prophet (PBUH) and home to the two holiest sites of Islam. Quran and
Sunnah play a significant role in the constitutional framework of both countries.

A Treaty of Friendship was signed by the two countries as early as 1951, laying the
basis for cooperation. Bilateral relations were buttressed over the coming decades by a
tradition of strong financial and strategic assistance extended to each other by the two
brotherly countries whenever required.

Over the years, the two countries have also succeeded in developing a unique synergy
for mutual development. Saudi Arabia is home to the largest number of Pakistani
expatriates, approximately one and a half million. Pakistani engineers, construction
experts and labour have played a crucial role in building infrastructure in the modern
Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Pakistani doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs, academics and
financial experts played a premier role in developing institutional infrastructure of the
Kingdom. In the process, the Kingdom has provided employment to Pakistanis ranging
from high-tech urban professionals to unskilled labourers from the remotest parts of
Pakistan. The large pool of Pakistani professionals and skilled and unskilled manpower
is a great asset for the Kingdom.

A number of monuments in Pakistan bear testimony to the depth of bilateral relations

with Saudi Arabia. The International Islamic University in Islamabad was established
with a grant of US$10 million from Saudi Arabia. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the
key landmark building in the capital, is named after King Faisal. The third largest city in
Pakistan was renamed Faisal Abad after King Faisal.

Recent High Level Visits

In keeping with the high degree of mutual trust and brotherhood, there is a regular exchange of high level visits

between the two countries. From Pakistani side, the following visits took place during the last few years:
 Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the Kingdom in Oct 2018 to attend an
International Investment Conference in Riyadh and held bilateral discussions with the
Crown Prince.
 Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the Kingdom in Sep 2018 and held bilateral
discussions with the King and the Crown Prince.
 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in March 2016 to witness the
concluding ceremony of Military Exercise – North Thunder.
 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in Jan 2016 and held bilateral
discussions with the King.
 Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in July 2013.
 Earlier, former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited Saudi Arabia in
June 2012.
 Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani also visited the Kingdom on
3rd April 2012.
 President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Kingdom on a two-day visit in July 2011. He
held a cordial and productive meeting with King Abdullah.
 This was followed by a visit by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to the
Kingdom on 7-9 August 2011. During the visit, the Prime Minister also held a meeting
with King Abdullah.
 President Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by the Interior Minister and the Chief of
Army Staff, again visited the Kingdom on 25 October 2011 to offer condolences on the
passing away of then Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

The following high level visits took place from Saudi Arabia:

 Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman visited Pakistan in Feb 2019 and held
bilateral discussions with President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
 Deputy Crown Prince (Now Crown Prince) Muhammad Bin Salman visited
Pakistan in Jan 2016 and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister of Pakistan.
 Crown Prince (now King) Salman bin Abdul Aziz visited Pakistan in Feb 2014.
HRH met President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and discussed bilateral, regional and
international affairs.
 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah paid a historic
visit to Pakistan in 2006 after ascending to the throne. Agreements signed on the
occasion pertained to a) educational cooperation, b) scientific cooperation, c) vocational
cooperation, d) consultation between the Foreign Ministries, and e) Avoidance of
Double Taxation. All the agreements have been ratified by the two countries.
 The then Crown Prince and Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz visited
Pakistan in 2006.
 Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal participated in seven countries’ Foreign
Ministers’ conference in Islamabad in February 2007.
 Minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah al Ammar visited
Pakistan in February 2007.
 Imam of Ka’ba Abdur Rehman Al Sudais visited Pakistan in 2007.
 Prince Bandar bin Sultan, then Secretary General National Security Council
visited Pakistan in the last week of March 2011 as a Special envoy of King Abdullah. He
met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Gillani and Chief of the Army Staff
General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani. During the meetings, the two sides exchanged views on
host of issues including the evolving situation in the Middle East.
 Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, Vice Foreign Minister and son of King Abdullah,
visited Pakistan in April 2012. He met the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and
held talks with the Foreign Minister.

For quite some time, the media has been focusing on the reported issues in relations between Pakistan
and Saudi Arabia, insinuating that the Saudi government was not happy over criticism of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by our foreign minister for not convening the meeting of its
Council of Foreign Ministers on Kashmir. Consequently, as reported, Saudi government has demanded
back $ 1 billion from Pakistan prematurely and also stopped oil supplies to her.

However, Prime Minister Imran Khan in an exclusive interaction with the host of a private channel last
week, categorically quashed what was being bandied around in regards to relations between the two
countries. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, responding to a question by a journalist on
Monday, also vehemently denied the notion of kink in PakSaudi relations saying, “There were no
tensions between the two countries and Saudi Arabia had neither asked Islamabad to return its loan nor
stopped oil supply to her. All speculations in this regard had been conjured by the media. The Kingdom
has not changed its stance on Kashmir and the two countries are also on the same page as far as
recognition of Israel is concerned.”

However, we must accept the reality that while OIC has been successful in promoting religious solidarity
between the member states, it has remained ineffective in forging political solidarity between them. The
member countries have different perspectives on regional and global issues guided by their own
interests and are dictated by permeating global politics, as is proven by UAE’s agreement with Israel to
normalise relations and establish diplomatic ties. Some more Muslim countries are also in line to go that
way. It is indeed a great set-back to the cause of the Palestinian people, which has remained an issue of
concern for the entire Muslim Ummah for some decades, and on which there was unanimity of views.
Nevertheless, it is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken a similar
position on the issue and stressed the need for resolution of the Palestinian issue according to the UN
resolutions without annexation of the Palestinian lands. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also
categorically ruled out the possibility of having any kind of relations with Israel until Palestinians get
their rights.

On Kashmir also, there is unanimity of views on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in consonance
with UN resolutions and Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan on the issue throughout. There might be a
different perspective on pursuing that objective and the timing of the efforts but there is surely no
difference of opinion on the substantive issue.

The relations between the two brotherly Muslim countries have taken new dimensions since Imran Khan
has come into power. Prime Minister Imran Khan has visited Saudi Arabia twice since assuming the
mantle of premiership of the country. Saudi commitment to winch Pakistan out of the current financial
quagmire amply reflects the added warmth and depth to bilateral relations between the two countries.
As a consequence of the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia, it promised a package of $6
billion comprising $3 billion as balance of payments support for one year and the supply of $3 billion
worth of oil on deferred payment for three years. The Saudi crown prince during his visit to Pakistan
promised $20 billion investment in Pakistan and setting up an oil refinery at Gwadar.

While Saudi Arabia, like a true friend and a brotherly Muslim country, has shown exceptional
commitment to support and assist Pakistan in times of adversity, Pakistan has also been in the forefront
in assisting Saudi Arabia to ward off external threats to her territorial integrity and internal security
concerns.

Pakistan Army contributed to the establishment of Saudi armed forces in 1960. It assisted the Royal
Saudi Air Force with the introduction of their first fighter jets. Fighter Pilots of the Pakistan Air Force
flew the aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Force to repel an incursion from South Yemen in 1969. When the
renegades seized Masjid-al Haram in 1979, it was the Pakistani commandos who restored the Saudi
administration over the Holy mosque. During the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War, Pakistan sent troops to
protect the Islamic holy sites. In the 1970s and 1980s, approximately 15,000 Pakistani soldiers were
stationed in the kingdom. Pakistan also formed a key intermediary in the Al-Yamamah arms deal with
the United Kingdom

In early April 2012 Pakistan played a role in defusing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia over
Bahrain. In the wake of an attack on Saudi oil installations last year which heightened tensions between
Iran and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan was in the forefront, playing a mediatory role. On the situation in Yemen
and threats to Saudi territorial integrity, Pakistan has shown complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and
vowed to defend the holy land at all costs if it was attacked. In the current volatile situation in the
Middle East and its fallout for Saudi Arabia, Pakistani support to Saudi rulers is pivotal to the ability of
the Kingdom to confront those dangers. The nature and extent of past and present ties between the two
countries testify to the fact that their relations are as sound as ever.
Over the years, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue building unwavering
diplomatic relations based on the commitment to support each other for the promotion of the
peace and prosperity. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share common religious affinity and greater
extent shared foreign policy goals on global convergence on issues related to extremism,
terrorism and security issues. Both states have a common urge to uplift the solidarity in the
Muslim world especially Pakistan as a leading Islamic nuclear power and Saudi Arabia as
powerful regional state as a custodian of Holy places of Islam. However in this case Saudi
Arabia has also developed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), based in
Riyadh. IMCTC has been launched by the Crown Prince in 2017 where retired General Raheel
sheriff is now heading this Saudi led 41 country member alliance of which Pakistan is an
important factor.

Formal diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia established and dates back to the
time of independence of Pakistan however the spiritual and religious connection with the
Kingdom has remained centuries old due to the pilgrimage to the sacred affinities with holy
places. There was never a one way relation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Kingdom being
the largest producer of oil and petrochemical products in the world has also largest export base in
Pakistan while there are larger number of Pakistani skilled workers and laborers are working
apart from being a key market for the goods from Pakistan. According to an estimate there are
currently 1.9 million Pakistanis are based in the Kingdom creating a remittances base of over 4.5
billion USD annually. The presence of this larger number of Pakistani doctors, engineers,
workers and teachers contributed towards the development of the Kingdom at the larger level
hence strengthening the brotherly ties between the states. Pakistan place the Saudi Arabia as an
important factor in the regional setting and its foreign policy ambitions are also connected with
keeping steady and warm relations with the Kingdom.

In the complex geostrategic and geopolitical environment of the Gulf region and the entire
Muslim world, Pakistan needs to play its care safe and remain neutral in order to keep and uplift
its historic role of mediation among the actors in the region especially to avoid any further
conflict

Over the years, there has not been any shaky patch in the relations between Pakistan and Saudi
Arabia. There is a strong need that the relationship remains on the smooth footing and continue
to build in the lines that may help both states to progress and reach towards their glorious future
together. In the complex geostrategic and geopolitical environment of the Gulf region and the
entire Muslim world, Pakistan needs to play its care safe and remain neutral in order to keep and
uplift its historic role of mediation among the actors in the region especially to avoid any further
conflict. The relations should be based on the sovereign protection and promotion of the national
interest of the country. There is a strong need from the highest decision making quarters in Prime
Minister’s office and Foreign Office to continue and uphold the historic values of diplomatic
integrity, intellect and wisdom that our forefathers has maintained in history of building relations
with the countries especially the Muslim world for the better good of the nation and country as a
whole.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations

Pakistan has enjoyed warm relations with Saudi Arabia since the birth of the country in
1947. The relations are rooted in the centuries old religious, cultural and commercial
links between the two peoples. The relationship is also based on shared Islamic ideals.
Pakistan is the only state founded on Islamic identity while Saudi Arabia is the birth-
place of the Prophet (PBUH) and home to the two holiest sites of Islam. Quran and
Sunnah play a significant role in the constitutional framework of both countries.

A Treaty of Friendship was signed by the two countries as early as 1951, laying the
basis for cooperation. Bilateral relations were buttressed over the coming decades by a
tradition of strong financial and strategic assistance extended to each other by the two
brotherly countries whenever required.

Over the years, the two countries have also succeeded in developing a unique synergy
for mutual development. Saudi Arabia is home to the largest number of Pakistani
expatriates, approximately one and a half million. Pakistani engineers, construction
experts and labour have played a crucial role in building infrastructure in the modern
Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Pakistani doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs, academics and
financial experts played a premier role in developing institutional infrastructure of the
Kingdom. In the process, the Kingdom has provided employment to Pakistanis ranging
from high-tech urban professionals to unskilled labourers from the remotest parts of
Pakistan. The large pool of Pakistani professionals and skilled and unskilled manpower
is a great asset for the Kingdom.

A number of monuments in Pakistan bear testimony to the depth of bilateral relations

with Saudi Arabia. The International Islamic University in Islamabad was established
with a grant of US$10 million from Saudi Arabia. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the
key landmark building in the capital, is named after King Faisal. The third largest city in
Pakistan was renamed Faisal Abad after King Faisal.

Recent High Level Visits

 In keeping with the high degree of mutual trust and brotherhood, there is a regular
exchange of high level visits between the two countries. From Pakistani side, the
following visits took place during the last few years:

 Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the Kingdom in Oct 2018 to attend an
International Investment Conference in Riyadh and held bilateral discussions with the
Crown Prince.
 Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the Kingdom in Sep 2018 and held bilateral
discussions with the King and the Crown Prince.
 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in March 2016 to witness the
concluding ceremony of Military Exercise – North Thunder.
 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in Jan 2016 and held bilateral
discussions with the King.
 Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the Kingdom in July 2013.
 Earlier, former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited Saudi Arabia in
June 2012.
 Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani also visited the Kingdom on
3rd April 2012.
 President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Kingdom on a two-day visit in July 2011. He
held a cordial and productive meeting with King Abdullah.
 This was followed by a visit by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to the
Kingdom on 7-9 August 2011. During the visit, the Prime Minister also held a meeting
with King Abdullah.
 President Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by the Interior Minister and the Chief of
Army Staff, again visited the Kingdom on 25 October 2011 to offer condolences on the
passing away of then Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

The following high level visits took place from Saudi Arabia:

 Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman visited Pakistan in Feb 2019 and held bilateral discussions with
President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
 Deputy Crown Prince (Now Crown Prince) Muhammad Bin Salman visited Pakistan in Jan 2016 and held
bilateral discussions with Prime Minister of Pakistan.
 Crown Prince (now King) Salman bin Abdul Aziz visited Pakistan in Feb 2014. HRH met President and
Prime Minister of Pakistan and discussed bilateral, regional and international affairs.
 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah paid a historic visit to Pakistan in 2006 after
ascending to the throne. Agreements signed on the occasion pertained to a) educational cooperation, b) scientific
 cooperation, c) vocational cooperation, d) consultation between the Foreign Ministries, and e) Avoidance of Double
Taxation. All the agreements have been ratified by the two countries.
 The then Crown Prince and Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz visited Pakistan in 2006.
 Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal participated in seven countries’ Foreign Ministers’ conference in Islamabad
in February 2007.
 Minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah al Ammar visited Pakistan in February 2007.
 Imam of Ka’ba Abdur Rehman Al Sudais visited Pakistan in 2007.
 Prince Bandar bin Sultan, then Secretary General National Security Council visited Pakistan in the last week
of March 2011 as a Special envoy of King Abdullah. He met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Gillani and
Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani. During the meetings, the two sides exchanged views on host
of issues including the evolving situation in the Middle East.
 Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, Vice Foreign Minister and son of King Abdullah, visited Pakistan in April
2012. He met the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and held talks with the Foreign Minister.

Commercial and Economic Relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Economic relations between the two countries have great potential and are not
commensurate with the warmth of political relations. Pakistan’s exports to the Kingdom
are merely 1.77 % of our total exports. They are mainly confined to textile and food
items and the share of manufactured products is very low. Likewise, the bulk of our
imports from the Kingdom consists of oil and related products. There is a great potential
to further diversify bilateral trade and economic relations.

 Commercial and Economic Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi economy offers substantial opportunities these days. It has been enjoying an
immense boom at a time when other regions are going through a recession or slowing
down. International economic agencies have praised the Saudi government's economic
policies and the Kingdom has moved up in overall ranking from 67th in 2004 to the 13th
most competitive country in the world. The Saudi government has increased social and
infrastructure spending. It has also begun establishing six "economic cities" in different
regions of the country to promote foreign investment. It has plans to spend US $373
billion by 2014 on social development and infrastructure projects. The boost in Saudi
economy provides great opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs and traders.

In the last decade, Saudi financial sector has expanded rapidly. A Capital Market
Authority (CMA) has been created and Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has
been made the regulator of the Insurance Sector as well as the licensing and regulatory
authority for the Mortgage, Leasing and Finance companies. Now, many Mortgage,
Leasing and Finance companies will be granted licenses and thus these firms will be
added to the regulated financial sector. This provides opportunities for Pakistani firms
that specialize in Ijara, Modaraba and conventional finance products. They may enter
directly as full investor or in a joint venture with Saudi patterns. Pakistan has good
experience in Lease Financing and with the advent of Leasing Laws in the Kingdom,
Pakistani leasing firms could offer their knowledge and expertise to Saudi firms. There
is also potential for firms that specialize in IT solutions for the Banking, Securities and
Insurances industries. They should explore the possibilities in Saudi Financial Market.

The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is on the rise for the past few
years. Balance of trade is in favour of Saudi Arabia as Pakistan imports most of its oil
from Saudi Arabia.

US$ million

Year Export Import Balance of Trade

2003-04 348 1778 (1430)
2004-05 325 1799 (2125)
2005-06 329 2994 (2665)
2006-07 289 3492 (3203)
2007-08 380 5,354 (4,974)
2008-09 456 3,137 (3,151)
2009-10 393.81 3,640 (3,246)
2010-11 426 4,450 (4,024)
2011-12 455 4,790 (4,240)
2012-13 488.1 3455.7 (2967.6)
2013-14 501.7 4287.7 (3786)
2014-15 496.2 3313.1 (2816.9)
 

 Visits of Trade Delegations

A number of trade delegations from Pakistan particularly in foodstuff, rice, textile,

building materials, sports and medical sectors etc regularly visit the Kingdom. The
Embassy acts as a liaison for them and arranges their meetings with relevant and
prominent Saudi businessmen, importers and entrepreneurs. These delegations usually
also receive good orders from their counter parts in the Kingdom. The Trade
Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the various Chambers play a useful role
in sending such delegations to Saudi Arabia.

 Trade Fairs & Exhibitions in the Kingdom

Pakistani companies also regularly participate in the prominent fairs and exhibitions in
the Kingdom. The following are some such fairs:

 Saudi Build & Saudi Stone Exhibitions

 Saudi Print Pack, Plastic & Petrochem (PPPP)
 Petrochem Arabia Conference and Exhibition
 Saudi Health
 Food ex
 Annual Food Festival By Pakistan embassy in Riyadh
 Saudi Agro Food

 Joint Ministerial Commission

A centerpiece of the bilateral economic and commercial relations is the Joint Ministerial
Commission between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Its last session was held in 2007 and
for this reason, reviving the Commission became a priority for both sides in the last few
years. The 9th session of Pakistan – Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission
convened in Islamabad on September 26, 2012. Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the Minister of
Commerce, chaired the Pakistani side, while Saudi side was headed by Minister for
Trade and Industry Dr. Tawfiq bin Fauzan Al Rabiah. The Saudi delegation on the
occasion consisted of about a dozen senior officials from various ministries. The visiting
delegation was also accompanied on the occasion by a delegation of prominent Saudi
businessman and entrepreneurs.

During the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting, the two countries agreed to make
maximum effort to increase and expand scope of trade cooperation between private
sector corporations, facilitate market access and remove tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Both sides agreed that Pakistan – Saudi Joint Business Council would hold its meetings
regularly and deliberate the means and measures for augmenting the trade exchange
volume and joint ventures in the two countries.  

A follow-up meeting was held in Islamabad on 26 March 2013 to assess the status of
implantation of the decisions of the Joint Commission.

10th session of JMC was held in Riyadh on 16th April 2014 whereas 11th meeting of
JMC is going to be held in Islamabad 2015 .

 Cooperation between the Private sectors

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and its Saudi counterpart, Council of Saudi
Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CSCCI) signed an MOU in June, 2000 to establish a Joint Business Council.
Assharqia Chamber Dammam and Lahore Chamber signed an MOU of Cooperation in 2009. The MOU shall be
helpful in increased interaction between the two chambers through exchange of data and delegations

 Saudi Financial and Humanitarian Support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia has provided generous financial support to Pakistan. In recent years, the
Kingdom has provided a deposit of US$200 million to be kept in the State Bank of
Pakistan, US$200 million to finance purchase of Urea fertilizers, and a loan amounting
to US$80 million for the construction of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has contributed US$100 million for humanitarian assistance to
the Internally Displaced Persons in Malakand region. To assist the victims of floods in
Pakistan, Saudi Government announced $105 million, which is 13.3% of the total
amount pledged by the rest of the world. Saudi Arabia became the second biggest
donor to Pakistan’s flood victims. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah
and other members of the royal family also contributed generously in their personal
capacity. King Abdullah’s personal donation amounted to SR 300 million, followed by
SR 10 million by then Crown Prince HRH Sultan bin Abdulaziz, and SR 5 million by then
Interior Minister HRH Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal donated SR
25 million and also visited Pakistan personally to assess the damage caused by flood.

Other relief assistance from Saudi Arabia included: 30-Cargo-Plane airlifts of

humanitarian supplies; a land convoy of one thousand trucks that carried thousands of
tons of wheat, 350 tons of dates and 30,000 tents to Pakistan; two field hospitals, along
with medical staff and equipment; and a Saudi search and rescue team.

 Agreements signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Following agreements have been signed between the two countries:

  Friendship Treaty 
 Air Service Agreement
  Agreement between Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Associate Press of
Pakistan (APP)
 Extradition Agreement
 Cultural Agreement
 Agreement on Economic, Commercial & Technical Cooperation.
 Agreement on Security Cooperation (Military Cooperation)
 Agreement on Bilateral Political consultations
 Agreement on Scientific & Technological Cooperation
 Agreement on Technical and Vocational Training
 Agreement on Programme of Education and Scientific Coordination
 Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation

In addition the following agreements are in the pipeline:

 Agreement on Security Cooperation on Combating Crimes.

 MoU on Cooperation for control of illicit trafficking of Narcotics Drugs and
Psychotropic Substance.
 MoU between Ministries of Religious Affairs of two countries.
 Agreement on Transfer of Offenders.
 Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Sports.
 Bilateral Investment Treaty.
 Pak-Saudi relations have seen many challenges and both brothers have
withstood and weathered them together with perseverance and a
shared vision. Pak-Saudi relations are unique and go beyond common
interstate relations and are deeply rooted and entrenched in multifarious
 dimensions of history, faith, security, economics and a shared vision of
development and quest for regional and international peace.
 In the overall context, Pakistan’s place in the Organisation for Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) is guided by the global Islamic fraternity and
brotherhood, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is recognised as
the fountainhead of OIC’s very existence. The people of Pakistan hold
Saudi Arabia and Khadim-e-Harmain Sharifain in the highest esteem
and seek guidance from the Saudi leadership on challenges confronting
the Ummah.
 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are connected through an
umbilical cord of mutual respect and fraternity. Without going into the
details of a shared history, it may be pertinent to remind ourselves with
highlights of the Pak-Saudi relationship.
 Prince Harry gets job at Silicon Valley mental health coaching start-up
 Warm relations have existed since 1947 and are rooted in centuries old
Islamic ideals, cultural and economic links. Both countries have
succeeded in developing a unique synergy for joint development.
Pakistan is the only country founded on Islamic identity. KSA, as the
birthplace of the Prophet (PBUH) and home to Islam’s holiest sites, has
a special place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan. The constitutions
of both countries are based on the Quran and Sunnah.
 The history of relations goes back decades as the Treaty of Friendship
was signed in 1951. From then on, both countries have never looked
back and built upon it through close cooperation in political, security and
religious affairs. Saudi, GCC and OIC support on Kashmir has remained
a cornerstone of this growing relationship.
 There is a special position and place of the royal family as custodians of
the two holy mosques in Pakistan and its people, this faith-based
attachment allows the people of Pakistan to seek guidance and
 exchange ideas with religious scholars of the Kingdom. The defence of
KSA and the two holy mosques is part of our faith and considered
obligatory, without any question.
 Broadcasting from Mars
 Politically, the Pak-Saudi bond has strengthened above personalities
and governments. In order to express this bond, Lyallpur was named
Faisalabad to honour King Faisal. Economic relations stemming from
this unique relationship have made KSA the largest oil supplier of
Pakistan (over 50%). Post the 1998 nuclear tests, KSA provided free
and uninterrupted oil for four years. The Kingdom also supplied oil on
deferred payment for one year in 2019-20.
 The Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia is over two million strong and
contributes remittances to the tune of 5 billion dollars every year. In
times of crisis and financial difficulties, KSA has never shied away from
supporting their Pakistani brothers and sisters. Whether it be
earthquakes, floods or economic challenges, the Saudi royal family has
always come forward to support Pakistan.
 In the past six years alone, Saudi help in infrastructure development
and rescuing Pakistan’s economy remained substantial; KSA’s financial
deposits include 1.5 billion dollars in 2014 and three billion dollars in
2018.
 Congo’s Sassou Nguesso re-elected president
 KSA has also chipped in developing higher education and madrassa
reforms. Recent Infrastructure developments include 100 million dollars
for Neelum-Jhelum and millions of dollars for rehabilitation in Malakand,
Bajaur, North Waziristan and South Waziristan.
 KSA has also pledged 21 billion dollars as investment for different
projects.
 Pakistan’s contribution to Saudi Arabia in diverse fields also needs a
mention here. PAF raised the Royal Saudi Air Force in the 1960s and
Pakistani pilots flew RSAF fighter jets during KSA’s Al-Wadiah conflict
with Yemen (1969). The Pakistan Army played a pivotal role in assisting
the Saudi government in suppressing the Grand Mosque Seizure in
1979.
 The Pakistani diaspora contributed in building modern Saudi Arabia.
Pakistani doctors, engineers, teachers and workers have spent their
lifetimes in KSA and contributed immensely to the development and
social uplift of the Kingdom. In the field of security, Saudi Arabia has
always trusted Pakistan as a brother and comrade. Pakistan contributed
15000 troops for Saudi defence in the 1980s. 13000 Pakistani military
troops participated in the first Gulf War; earlier Pakistan Army engineers
built fortifications on the KSA-Yemen border.
 Kalam-Mingora road closed after glacier collapse
 At present, Pakistan military training mission in KSA is approximately
1700 officers and soldiers; thousands of Royal Saudi Armed forces
personnel were trained in Pakistan, and both countries regularly hold
joint military exercises in KSA and Pakistan.
 The Pakistan-Saudi friendship and strategic partnership has adjusted to
the call of time; in the new environment of multi-alignment, no country
can operate in the international arena with a black and white foreign
policy. The dynamic international and regional environment demands
that states should guard their core interests; while carrying friends along
through a shared vision.
 There is a broad understanding of this aspect in both countries; for
example Chinese support in UNSC is considered important for the
Kashmir cause, to neutralise India-Israel nexus, similarly Chinese
 support in infrastructure development/CPEC has become the backbone
of Pakistan’s economic development and creation of jobs.
 Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia and other
friendly countries also needs to be understood in the broader framework
of multilateralism. Iran and Afghanistan being neighbours, Pakistan
needs a stable western border to ensure it can economise on security to
look after threats on the eastern border. There are also sensitivities of
all sects in Pakistan and internal stability and inter-sect harmony can
allow Pakistan to concentrate on economic and social development.
Benish Khan

1 Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla

2 Dr Aftab Gillani

3 Dr Hafiz Zafar Ahmed4

Religion, Spirituality and Foreign Policy Dynamics: A Case Study of Relations between Pakistan and Saudi
Arabia

Abstract

In matters related to foreign policy states act in pursuit of their interests but
in the case of Pakistan religion and spirituality have also been playing a
paramount role in determining its foreign policy which is an unusual
phenomenon in modern times. The main argument of the study is that two of
the key determinants of Pakistan‟s foreign policy are religion and spirituality.
The two-nation theory and ideology of Pakistan were the driving forces
behind the creation of Pakistan; therefore, Pakistan always preferred to ally
itself politically with the Islamic block. The Muslims of Pakistan have a special
religious and spiritual affinity with those countries which have been historical
centers of Islam and are home to Sufis shrines and buildings. For such
purposes, Pakistani pilgrims quite often go to Iran, Iraq, Syria, India and
Central Asia, etc., for religious and spiritual reasons but Saudi Arabia is a
country where all sects of Islam go to perform Umra and Hajj. Therefore,
Pakistan-Saudia Arabia relations on religious and spiritual bases make it a
perfect case study and thereby form the main theme of this paper. This study
attempts to explore, investigate and analyze the religious and spiritual
relation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Keywords:

Relations, Religious, Spirituality, Bilateral, Sacred Places, Islamic States

Introduction
Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in roundabout 610 A.D. Islam sooner emerged as an emerging
power and expanded up to the regions of Persia to Egypt and from there to Syria and India. The first
Arab Muslim who captured the lower Indus valley was Muhammad bin Qasim. He opened the way for
Umayyad Caliphs to enter in the region. But as their homeland was far off in Baghdad so it was not easy
to get assistance or any type of support from there and the empire could not bring effective results.
After three centuries, the Seljuq Turks came from Central Asia in the 10th century, they got hold of the
region as the Indians were neither organized nor had political integrity. Hindus were divided even in the
caste system, having different gods for worship and social inequality.

The Muslims as compared to Hindus advocated for one God and the equality of all men, their simplicity
and condemnation of caste system, polytheism, idolatry and ritualism became popular in the masses
and most of the Hindus embraced Islam for the true faith, sincerity and purity of life which symbolized
from the life of the Muslims. These were the reasons that facilitated Iltutmish, Balban, Khiljis, Tughluqs
and other Muslim Sultanates were ruled over by the Turkish Mughals who came to India in 1526 under
Babur rule.

Later on, the British Government took advantages of the political instability of Muslims Rulers and
brought distinct new strands, indeed firmer edges, to Muslim identities. There was a sharpening of the
distinction between Muslim and not- Muslim, which was in part an outcome of the impact of British
understandings of India and in part that of religious revivalism. The period of British rule, which
eventually became the British Empire started after the War of 1857. British took revenge from Muslims
and ruined them socially, Cultural and politically but not religiously. It was the Islam who Saved Muslims
of India. It was not the Muslims who revive it. The Even of Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), showed they
loved and respect for the Holy places. in which Muslims of sub-continent strived to preserve the power
of the Ottoman sultan save but also the institution of the caliphate but also struggled to protect their
control over the Holy cities of Makkah and Madina. It was the religion and a spirituality connection of
Muslims of India which forced them to fight side by side British, on condition to save their Holy places.

Spirituality is the state of being divine or of being attached to or concerned with religious questions and
values broadly perceived. The word is normally used in a non-religious sense to describe a
preoccupation with the multi-dimensional questions, particularly concerning the nature of the self,
meaning of life, the nature of one’s mental awareness, and the opportunity of immortality.1 According
to the hadith, Gabriel delivered us with a depiction of the religion of the admirers of Muhammad
(PBUH). In the Islamic vision, religion encompasses three main essentials. The first aspect in Islam is
Acceptance, and it encompasses a series of happenings, such as bearing observer, prying and abstaining.
Lastly, an act cannot be beautiful if it is completed without the consciousness of Allah and it is only Allah
who is the measure for beautiful, the good and the right.

In 610 CE Almighty Allah sent Muhammad (PBUH) in the unfertile city of Makah, to be His last
Messenger to mankind. The message and religion that was presented through Muhammad PBUH was
Islam and which entirely transformed the Arab society’s culture and way of living into a pre- and post-
Islamic era. Muhammad PBUH converted the ferocious and wicked Arabs into disciplined, refined and
religious people. Muslims in the life of their beloved Prophet and even after his death kept on preaching
Islam and in just a few years Islam reached far and wide and Muslims became the strongest world power
of that era.

Regard for Makkah and Medina

he fifth pillar of Islam is Hajj; it is a series of religious practices performed by the Muslims who get
together in the holy city of Mecca every year. It starts on the eighth and ends on the thirteenth day of
the lunar month of Dhu‟l-Hijja and Muslims must do once in their lifetime if they can afford it.3 Makkah
was a place of sanctity for Arabs even before the advent of Islam. And by the time of the advent of
Islam, the Kabba was being used as a place of pilgrimage.

The Holy Quran stated that

Many a time have we seen you turn your face towards the sky. We will make you turn towards a qiblah
4 that will please you. Turn your face towards the holy mosque: wherever you be, turn your face
towards it. (Quran2; 144)

Faster and safer means of travel like aeroplanes and buses were introduced in the past one hundred
years but in earlier time Muslims used to travel on horses or camels in the form of convoys. Hajj was a
problematic journey of several months for some of the Muslims. People stayed in Makkah and Madina
for a few months to build up their strength to make their journey back to their home town and some
even came to meet other Muslims came from across the globe, and to learn their culture, languages.
Regularly they remained for several years, and some stayed there for the rest of their lives. Nowadays, it
is easier to visit Makkah. It is a matter of a few hours from any place across the world. Religious
practices performed at Hajj. For hajj, people take a break from all that keeps them busy in their daily life.
They have to come to this holy site in response to Allah’s call. It’s kind of revival. Hajjis are viewed upon
with great esteem, integrity, as people who are innocent and more religious. They are considered as
models of piousness and holiness.

How Islam emerged and reached India

As Islam was introduced and had been established in an Arab culture, so all other peoples who accepted
Islam, for them it was a new religion rather complete code of life. They could not help influence by the
Arab civilization; as Islam was born in the desert, simple but not simpleminded. The transformation of
culture is highly based upon a written description of the Quran and the Living style of Holy Prophet
(SAW). This holds a centered importance in the Life of Muslim, it has a great impact on their education,
In the Pre-Islamic period, muallaquat6 was one of the customs in Makkah in which poets and authors
used to hang their poetry and literature on walls for others to read about the abilities of their particular
societies. Their journeys from one place to another were how news, literature and their achievements
would become known to the rest of the world. 7 Quran is an illustration of the same tradition as it was
first learned and transferred orally and then documented for coming generations.8 This popular
expression of the Arab became part of Muslim culture. Even today Muslims quote and use Quranic
references to explain their points of discussion and their importance.
. A trade between the subcontinent and the Arabian had existed even before Islam’s arrival. Islam was
initially conveyed to the coastal belt of southern India as it provides passage to the traders to the south
and south East Asia. After the advent of Islam, Muslim Arab traders started preaching Islam in south Asia
from these coastal belts. Initially, some locals settled in the coastal areas embraced Islam.9 Later Muslim
conquest Persia and provinces of Kirman and Makran, took Islam into Sindh, and in the subcontinent, all
the native rulers