Pakistan has always put great emphasis on its relations with the rest of the Muslim world, particularly with Saudi Arabia. Both the countries have enjoyed positive and friendly relations with each other in the past. Saudi Arab for being the religious epicentre of the Muslims world over has even more significance for Pakistan which is the only Muslim nuclear state. This friendship has weathered everything in the past but there seem to be cracks opening up in this otherwise solid relation.
First the statement of the Saudi King, as revealed by WikiLeaks, about the sitting President of Pakistan, and now the revelation by the same site about the fact that Pakistan did not get any concessionary oil from the Arab land as was promised and much touted about. The leak has poured light on a sensitive issue as Pakistan was sure counting on this friendly gesture when it had to face natural calamities.
Still all is not lost yet. The House of Saud and the Government of Pakistan can make amends as their mutual distrust and politicking would affect their bilateral friendly relations in the longer run. They must avoid confrontation and stand united as they have been doing for decades.
TABASSUM KHAN
Lahore
