Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to make a trip to Pakistan this month, signaling the South Asian country’s intent to bolster economic relations with the kingdom. According to reports from The Express Tribune, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the invitation to the crown prince, which was promptly accepted.
Originally scheduled for late 2022, the crown prince’s visit faced delays due to political uncertainties surrounding Pakistan’s elections. To prepare for his arrival, a delegation of influential Saudi businessmen is currently in Islamabad, engaging in discussions with their Pakistani counterparts to explore potential investment prospects.
This visit aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to attract Saudi investment, forming part of a broader strategy to tackle Pakistan’s economic challenges. Pakistan is particularly keen on securing substantial investments from Gulf nations, with a specific emphasis on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Riyadh had committed to accelerating an initial $5 billion investment during PM Shehbaz’s previous visit to Saudi Arabia before Eid.
In line with this commitment, the crown prince dispatched a high-level delegation, led by the Saudi foreign minister, to Islamabad. This delegation, comprising key Saudi cabinet members and close advisors involved in the crown prince’s “Vision 2030” initiative, expressed optimism about Pakistan’s new investment framework following a briefing by the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The government anticipates that the crown prince’s upcoming visit will translate these commitments into tangible investment opportunities, fostering deeper economic collaboration between the two nations.
