ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party leader Khursheed Shah on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to seek ‘monetary assistance’ during his first visit to Saudi Arabia.
Terming the premier’s visit ‘dubious’, Shah recalled that Imran condemned ‘begging’ other countries for assistance in the past, yet he did the same on his first visit to the Kingdom.
“It is inappropriate to ask for loans on your first visit abroad,” the veteran politician remarked.
Congratulating the prime minister for performing Umrah, Shah said that Imran’s first visit should have been limited to visiting holy sites.
However, earlier in the day, the Foreign Office said it is unaware of any such decision.
Earlier, on Tuesday it was reported that Pakistan was likely to seek economic assistance worth more than $2 billion from Saudi Arabia for its oil purchases.
“The prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia on King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s invitation and is expected to meet both the leader as well as Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Abdul Razak Dawood, the advisor to prime minister on commerce, textile, industry, and production, is also part of the delegation to the Kingdom, leading to speculation that PM Imran may seek economic assistance from Pakistan’s oil-rich ally.