Saudi Crown Prince Offers $3 Billion Support to Bolster Pakistan’s Economy
In a significant gesture reflecting strong bilateral ties, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has conveyed a message offering Pakistan $3 billion in financial support as a deposit to help stabilize its economy.
According to informed sources, the Crown Prince recently dispatched Saudi Arabia’s finance minister on a brief visit to Pakistan to personally assure the leadership that Islamabad need not worry about a potential foreign exchange gap arising from the withdrawal of a similar amount by another Gulf country.
A senior government official said the sole purpose of the visit was to reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stepping in and covering any shortfall in Pakistan’s foreign reserves. The development comes at a time when a friendly Gulf nation is reportedly withdrawing over $3 billion from Pakistan’s reserves.
In response, Saudi Arabia has pledged to place an equivalent amount as a deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan to help maintain reserve stability. Officials described the move as an “extraordinary gesture” that underscores deep strategic trust and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan already holds around $5 billion in Saudi deposits with the State Bank.
Sources added that Pakistan’s leadership—both civilian and military—has expressed deep appreciation for the Crown Prince’s personal initiative and timely support.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Saudi Arabia soon, where he will meet the Crown Prince to formally thank the Saudi leadership. During the visit, he is also likely to brief them on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including facilitating talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.
Pakistan is actively working to bring both sides back to the negotiating table and is aiming to help arrange another round of talks before April 22, in an effort to turn the current ceasefire into a more durable arrangement.
Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia’s financial backing, combined with Pakistan’s mediation efforts, could play a constructive role in promoting regional stability.
