Saudi-Qatar Pakistan AID: Amidst the war in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have announced to provide aid of 5 billion dollars to Pakistan. Whereas UAE has put pressure on loan repayment. Know the big reasons behind this diplomatic game.
Amidst the increasing tension in the Middle East, a diplomatic game is going on which has caught everyone’s attention. On one hand, conflict and instability is increasing in the region, while on the other hand, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have assured Pakistan of financial assistance worth about $5 billion.
The biggest question is, when UAE has demanded back its loan from Pakistan, then why did Saudi and Qatar come forward? It is important to understand four big reasons behind this.
1. Gulf conflict: Saudi vs UAE
There has been a long-standing strategic competition between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. Both countries want to strengthen their hold in areas like Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, Pakistan signed a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia instead of UAE, which angered UAE. There has also been conflict between the two countries regarding the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen.
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2. Pakistan’s military role and Saudi’s confidence
After the defense agreement signed last year, Pakistan has sent about 13,000 soldiers and many fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia. This deployment has been done at King Abdulaziz Air Base. Apart from this, amidst the increasing threat from Iran, Pakistan has also provided missile defense system to Saudi. This is the reason why Saudi Arabia has decided not to ask for the return of the old loan of 2018 for the time being and is now also giving new financial help.
3. Islamabad becomes diplomatic ‘bridge’
In recent times, Pakistan emerged as an important link in the talks between Iran and the United States to reduce tensions. Saudi and Qatar want peace to be established in the region soon, so that important routes like Hormuz remain open and energy supplies are not disrupted. This is the reason why Pakistan is getting the price of its ‘mediator’ role in the form of financial aid.
4. Impact of war between Yemen and Sudan
The war in the Middle East is not limited to just one country. The ongoing proxy war in Yemen and Sudan has made the situation more complex. Millions of people have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan since 2023. Questions have also been raised on UAE regarding Rapid Support Forces. In such a situation, Pakistan’s open stand with Saudi is irritating the UAE.
UAE pressure and entry of Saudi-Qatar
United Arab Emirates has given Pakistan a strict deadline to return the loan of $3.5 billion. Due to weak economic condition of Pakistan, it could not pay this amount immediately. In such a situation, Saudi Arabia and Qatar came forward so that Pakistan could come out of this pressure. In simple words, Pakistan is now preparing to repay UAE’s debt with the money received from Saudi-Qatar.
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