ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon after Riyadh voiced concerns over Pakistan’s rapidly growing economic and trade ties with neighbouring Tehran.
According to diplomatic sources, Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the United States, is pushing Islamabad to abandon its plan for importing natural gas from Iran.
Riyadh is also believed to be concerned over a recent move by Tehran offering crude oil to Pakistan on long-term deferred payments.
Tehran is reaching out to Islamabad in an effort to dispel the impression that it is facing international isolation in the wake of US economic sanctions over its controversial nuclear program.
It has not only offered to fund the Pakistani side of the pipeline but is also willing to support a number of other projects to help the country meet its energy requirements.
Pakistan, however, is under tremendous pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia. Recently, President Asif Ali Zardari delayed a scheduled trip to Iran.
However, a foreign ministry official said President Zardari would visit Tehran and the government has no plans to abandon the Iran pipeline project.
Pakistan’s reluctance to bow to pressure has compelled Saudi Arabia to invite Foreign Minister Khar for urgent talks. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim bin Salih Al Ghadeer extended an invitation to Khar on Wednesday to visit the kingdom at the earliest, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson.
In a meeting with the Saudi envoy, the foreign minister accepted the invitation and hoped her visit would further enhance ‘exemplary relations between the two brotherly countries.’
During her visit, she will hold formal talks with her Saudi counterpart, Prince Saud Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Though the agenda of the proposed visit has not been made public, sources said discussions would focus on recent developments related to the growing ties between Iran and Pakistan.
Sources said Saudi Arabia might offer Pakistan alternative options to meet its growing energy demands in return for pulling out of the Iran gas pipeline.
However, another official pointed out that Khar’s visit was also part of efforts by regional countries to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.
Like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia also has a pivotal role in brokering a peace deal in Afghanistan. According to the roadmap recently unveiled by the Afghan High Peace Council, Riyadh is likely to host talks between the Taliban and Afghan government for the peace deal.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2012.
COMMENTS (50)
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Mr. Riaz Haq,
Saudi influence in Pakistan has caused huge problems. We certainly do not need any more Saudi "investments". Today, police officers and a member of parliament have been killed by people nurtured on Saudi "investment". Pakistan's total gas reserves are fast dwindling and is not enough for 190 million people. Pakistan's shale gas reserves are also very small and UNPROVEN. Pakistan needs to balance its international relations. It also needs lots of energy. This has to start with oil and gas pipelines from Iran. Enough of this Saudis and US "investment" which has been going on for the past 40 years. It is now time for us to go back to our roots which have much in common with Iran and Iranian culture than with Bedouin and American culture.
Pakistan's best interest is not in defying Saudis and Americans to buy expensive Iranian gas and end up with crippling sanctions which could be much worse than its current energy crisis. Its best interests will be served by developing its own cheap domestic shale gas on an accelerated schedule with Saudi investment and US tech know-how. If the Americans and the Saudis refuse to help, then Pakistan will have a stronger case to go with the Iran gas option.
http://www.riazhaq.com/2012/04/pakistans-shale-gas-with-us-ksa-help.html
It is really insulting to Pakistanis that Saudis are trying to dictate to a nuclear armed nation of 190 million proud people. The foreign minister needs to ask Saudis: "Kis ne tum ko yeh haq dia hai, keh is lahjeh mein baat karo hamereh sath?" Make sure it is said in Urdu for maximum efficacy. Also Saudis have to be reminded that millions of Pakistani have trouble cooking food for their children because of gas shortages and millions more have trouble to get to work because of lack of CNG, millions more have lost jobs because of severe electricity shortages and still more fertilizer factories are closing down in an agricultural country because of natural gas shortage.
All these are happening while our Saudi "brothers" are enjoying their lives afloat over an ocean of oil. Would they care to offer a million barrel of oil per day for Pakistan half the market price? Would US care to offer the same nuclear deal they gave to India in order to solve Pakistan's energy problem? I thought so no. Then just build this pipeline and let the enemies of Pakistan burn from inside.
when there was a country by the name of Hijaz; there was Islam, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and harmony. But when it was invaded by Saudis, there is now extremism, terrorism, hatred towards other sect. Why Saudis are funding and supporting just one particular brainwashed minds.?? This Abdulyahood and other saud's family never deserve to call them the friend of muslim, they have always been working for Israeli's and American interests.
Saudi Kingdom is demolishing with speed, one historical Islamic remnant after another in the name of better business, from early Islamic eras. Our prominent religious leaders who worship the kingdom are actually live on Saudi funding. Money can buy anything we see everyday and we have become so desperate for modern life, not even our religious guides are safe from it.
Just couple years back the Kingdom's Heir congratulated India at their national Arms Parade which she is pilling up also to challenge Pakistan existence in future. Not just that He also asked Pakistan at that moment to rethink it's claim on Kashmir and work to include India in the Organization of Islamic Countries. You tell me who will he hire for jobs there?All the comments here bashing KSA, are just based on the things heard from here and there. I think one need to come up with actual facts and figures before leveling allegations of such nature. Though, if people are refering to aid we availed during Afghan war, then USA was the major culprit in this case. I'm not here to advocate KSA, but want to see atleast some people talking sensibly, supporting the stuff, what they are posting here.
@umar: see nobody has liked your comments so revisit your mind and read what KSA/USA has done to you,for them we have sold us,lost our unity,faith and discipline now we are just people and not a nation
As Saudi Arabia needs us very badly and now after more than 60 years we are in no need of Saudi Arabia so its the proper time to break all relations with KSA. If we do so then certainly they shall be coming to us begging for our support for their survival. Moreover, we should also order all the Pakistani expatriates working in KSA to come to Pakistan thereby collapsing the Saudi economy and send them to Mehmud Ahmedi Nejad who will appoint them on lucrative posts in Tehran. But be careful about the exchange rate. Nowadays one dollar is equal to 30000 Irani Riyals. Also tell me a single country where Pakistanis are respected and honoured.
@jahandad: I don't know where you get your stats from. Saudi government doesn't issue stats. Most are predicted. But last time i heard, Pakistanis are coming in thousands with huge pays etc
Jahandad. You have been thoroughly processed in a centrifuge. Still I suggest you think about why Pakistanis are treated the way you mentioned by Saudi, and Indians, inspite of your accusations of shop lifting, are welcome. and remember KSA is not alone in treating Pakistanis the way you have mentioned.
Great Package of Gifts to Pakistan from the Islamic Republic Of Iran a Powerful & Islamic Revolutionary Land we Pakistanis are lucky in these dificult days! linguisticaly tradiotionaly culturaly racealy ethenicaly we are very close to Iranians! Railway connection Pipeline connection Business ports at westren frontiers very very good news only if we can understands! Other side are Arabs! of course we Pakistanis are Majorty Muslims we pray towards Magreb Makka Sharif Our Holly Land Arabia of Mohammad Pbuh Arabia ksa there are Arab Springs grand great majority of Arab countries are in Mess! Arab League is Failed! Secular Arab Redpublic Of Syria is under dustruction by the Feudals! kings Sultans Amirs without any democracy! so the Govts in Arab countries will change sooner later without any doubt For the Islamic Republc Of Pakistn its better to have Relations with stable countries like socialist China, Democratic Hindoustan, Islamic Iran we shall see and study Arab Spring where it gose! this is in the Interests of Pakistan to have very strong ties with IR Iran Even Usa is very very temporary in Our Region After killing 1-One Millions of Iraqis Dustruction of Afghanistan Drone Attacking & Killings of thousands of Muslim Pakistanis its time we Say STOP!
I really doubt if USA is asking Saudia..Its just an old age rivaliry of Iran and Saudia. Pakistan shoud grow out of it by now. You are more than 60 years old to understand global politics. It does not contained to US & Israel
MAdam Khar not wearing her scarf - eh?
People who say Saudi Arabia is opposing the pipeline due to US pressure are clearly not recognizing that Saudi Arabia considers IRan as an enemy because it is a majority Shia country. So it is doing so for its own agenda not due to US agenda.
Pakistan can ofcourse pursue the pipeline if it can find a way to fund it. China and Russia have backed out. PAkistan's own bank and OGDC are also backing away from the project due to concern with US sanctions. So Pakistan simply does not have money to fund the pipeline. Moreover due to the sharp reduction in foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan government knows that sooner rather than later it needs the IMF loan which is impossible to get if PAkistan goes ahead with the pipeline. So Pakistan will not go ahead with the pipeline in its own self-interest. All this is just posturing to fool trusting Pakistani citizens.
One more thing. Until you depend on aid and free weapons from US and subsidized petrol from Saudi Arabia, you will have to follow what they say. IT is upto you what is more important to you - love your own countrymen or enmity with India (which keeps you dependent on US and KSA). You cannot have both.
Agree with almost all comments here. Saudis are funding terrorists in Pakistan. Pakistan should make decisions for their own benefits and interests (ie for the people not the select few) whoever they are dealing with.
@Ali: Include Indians and Ruskies also in them.
The mess we see today in our motherland is cos of nobody else but Saudis and American. Pakistanis are bleeding cos we allowed these two countries to manipulate and use us as they desire. Let's for once stand up and tel them to ** off and let us live the way want to. We love Pakistan and we want to see prosperous Pskistan. No more taking dictations. Period
The only reason Iran is offering Pakistan anything is because U.S. economic sanctions. These so called Pakistani interests only exist because U.S. pressure. Its funny, the whole world understands the concept but Pakistan.
it is time for us to be independent of foreign influences.... we must keep religion and politics seperate... we must listen to all the offers not just saudis or iranians.. and we must curb the money that is going directly to madrassas...and madrassas shud b reformed ... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF FOREIGN INFLUENCES IN OUR COUNTRY.....
The comments and recommendations above clearly indicates that Pakistanis are fed up with the Saudi assisted terrorists ,madrissas and financial assistance to the terrorists. They are also fedup of the proxy war of arab-Iran on Pakistani soil. So please give us a break. Keep your petro dollars up your hole and let us suffer to recover on our own steam. Saudi Kingdom has become extremely unpopular in Pakistan for their role in promoting terrorism and extremism.
why u not post my comment ?
only saudi arabia is our friend in deed
@ManofSteel!: nonsense nothing else,this mind set of few has ruined this country in last 3 decades,we are in habit of playing against the ground reality under pressure of our big brother KSA and big friend USA.
Despite all the money in the world the saudis are unable to run the affairs of their own country. Just because Islam originated in that part of the world does not mean they have a monoply on it. Their brand of religion is backward, extremist, and intolerant. If they were really sincere they would have helped muslim countries become self sufficient and reliant. Their true colours are seen in Europe and USA.
Saudi Arabia already gave us all the problems in the world. There was a report on DAWN that Saudi and UAE fund $10 million a year to pakistani deobandi madrassas. They want to spread their kind of Islam in Pakistan and they are actually doing a good job of it. Pakistan must end this relationship with Saudia if it wants to stand on its feet and eliminate the root cause of terrorism in their country. We rather have Iran and India as friends if we want to see prosperity in our country.
We should safeguard our national interest and i feel a bit ashamed why Khar is visiting Saudi Arabia. if they have any problem they should come to Pakistan and discuss their concerns. For their concerns we are visiting them. Slave master relationship.
In PML(N) government, Pakistan becomes Saudi property. However PPPP Government is not with ease with SA but still bound by many factors and cannot pursue a free foreign policy. Let PTI n power and see how they find a solution.
First the US and now the Saudis will not let us live.
saudi is right iran is wrong..khar shld ask help frm saudi..
The Saudis gave us madrassahs preaching "wahabi" bedouin version of islam, sending us suicide bombers in exchange for a lil bit of oil. Pakistan and Iran are natural allies. oh, and btw, our female Foreign Minister likes to drive a car - would she be allowed to do that there? LOL. Frikkin hypocritical arabs.
Its high time to know our interests and cleanup our home with Jihad philosophy. We have had enough of Afghan war then Iran-Saudi proxy war with high cost of Pakistani lives and social norms. Must see in the positive direction with clear message of BIG NO for any new order-cum-instructions from US via Saudi. To be honest, i doubt too because people in Govt doesnot possess the ample guts to say this.
I fully support Saudi Arabia´s positive efforts to curtail the rogue state of Iran and its nuclear ambitions. Pakistan will always be with Saudi arabia.
The ONLY way that meeting would be fruitful is if they can agree that Saudi Arabia should export oil to Pakistan and Pakistan can export Saudi-funded extremists to Saudi Arabia.
Well Done KSA, for the sake of US you want to create a space between two muslims countries very well, if you being a muslim brother doing so for US then what else we can expect from the non muslims. Instead that you need to support Pak-Iran friendship you are compelling Pak to cancel this project.
Listening to Saudis and US is not in our interest in this particular case. moreover Pakistan should ask Saudis to Stop funding banned parties and groups on behalf of US in Pakistan. And I also want to ask electronic media why they are silenced over the Issue.
Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan as its adopted baby. Being custodian of two holy places each Pakistani has built in respect for its King. Saudi Monarch also has deep rooted relations with political and military elite of Pakistan. Saudi Brand Islam is also at its peak in this country. Keeping in mind all these aspects it will now be a real test for PP led government to stand to the Saudi pressure. History reveals too much involvement in the internal affairs of Pakistan by US and its allies like Saudi Arabia has caused more damage than betterment. Let us hope our leaders can appreciate the situation correctly and adopt the way considered better for Pakistan and not for the advantage of US and Saudi Arabia interests in the region
Pakistan breathes on the lifeline given to it each year by IMF. KSA also sells oil to Pakistan on subsidised rates. Its another matter that the benefit of those subsidies don't reach the common man who is still paying East Pakistan flood tax included in oil prices. So, friends, Pakistan cannot afford to say No to the West and KSA. Pakistan would be on their doorstep soon again to ask for extension or more loans for next year.
We have had enough of Saudi help in pak and afghanistan already and see where it has dragged down to. So thanks for the "alternate" plans saudia but we dont want anymore fruits of the "brotherly" love you have been seeding in our soil since ages. Lets try some new partners. Those who are not touts of USA may be?
Appears most of the bloggers are swept of their feet due to the parleys by Saudi leadership (on behest of U.S.). Well that's realpolitik my dear friends.
This has been going on for ages and will continue for ages to come. The Islamist Brotherhood in power in Egypt may make public statements identifying with Hamas, denouncing Israel, but secretly they're wary of the Hamas and have in fact helped Israel by working out a ceasefire... Its only fools who dream of unity based on superficial concepts like religion. Only common interests matter...
The Saudi's have already parted ways with you by handling a couple of terrorists to India. Additionally, if I recall the Saudi's are not enthusiastic about you folks, especially after they discovered that their king's suite was bugged during one of their last stays in 2007 (read this from Pakistani newspapers...) The king left in a huff, cutting his visit short, without lavishing the generous tips/baksheesh on the hotel staffs (they used to eagerly look forward too). Given this no wonder if they find U.S. more trustworthy..
It's about time we should start thinking about our interests only and tell saudis to mind their own business. Pakistan has suffered a lot because of saudi intervention in our country's politics. Enough is enough.
Big NO To Saudi Arabia is an answer. Nawaz Sharif should close his business interests in Saudi Arabia and stop playing to the tunes of Arabian Knights.
Saudi (Prince Bandar camp) want to be part of this alliance. As for Saudi (US/Israel camp) want Pakistan and KSA stay out of any alliance with Iran, China or Russia. Let see how it plays out.
For once, let's do the right thing and stop taking our dictation from KSA...
Dont know how can we say No to our big brother "Saudi Arabia". we already owe them a lot! We seriously do(not only the saudis but the US too). Lets hope this meeting is about bringing Taliban to the table.
KSA is playing true agent of US! It would be hard task to disobey for Pakistan. America proves to be the worst enemy on all fronts doing all efforts to hamper anything positive coming to our way.
I fail to understand KSA's problem ....y are they acting as US agents in the region ... Pakistan has the right to trade with any country .... Y west and western proxy keep on giving us dictation
Pakistan has been bleeding from Saudi blessings for decades. It would be wise to cut its dependence on Saudis and balance energy and security needs.
An honest letter from Pak Citizen: Ms. Khar must ask her Saudi counter part to find the sources that are sending money to the extremists ideology in Pakistan and abolish them. Also She must ask for Saudi help in reversing the radicalization it initiated and funded for Afghan-Soviet war in Pak and Afghanistan. It must initiate the clean-up and try hard to stop the support of any Pak Islamic parties, group, person or institution of any kind who's activities result in violence or disturbance of peace.
Saudi Arabia has total power over Taliban and it's ambitions. Pakistan can not allow anymore for it's land to be used as battle ground for Saudi-Iran competition no matter what reward they can bestow on us. They must be told we have paid more than our share of foreign battles on our's & neighbor's ground with our blood and heavy social cost. That our generations will remain hostage for the decisions Pak has made. The dilemma is all Pak parties get funding from them one way or another. Who is going to stand-up to them?Don't listen to the Saudis. They are fronting for USA in this particular case. Otherwise we honor their support and friendship.
"According to diplomatic sources, Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the United States, is pushing Islamabad to abandon its plan for importing natural gas from Iran. Riyadh is also believed to be concerned over a recent move by Tehran offering crude oil to Pakistan on long-term deferred payments. Tehran is reaching out to Islamabad in an effort to dispel the impression that it is facing international isolation in the wake of US economic sanctions over its controversial nuclear program. It has not only offered to fund the Pakistani side of the pipeline but is also willing to support a number of other projects to help the country meet its energy requirements. Pakistan, however, is under tremendous pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia. Recently, President Asif Ali Zardari delayed a scheduled trip to Iran." Shame on such this type of comradeship which shows,displays,proves and represents US' interests by Saudi Arab regarding Iran-Pakistan gas' pipeline's project and if this is so then why Saudi Arabia always has been saying this from a long time that Pakistan is our brother Islamic country whereas this is or has been unaffordable for Saudi Arabia to see Pakistan a sovereign,real independent and self-reliant country???? Excellent Saudi Arabia now you are also speaking US' language or talking to Pakistan in US' language.....