Never thought the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would deteriorate to this extent! Saudi Arabia is now demanding repayment at Pakistan's doorstep! On April 3, according to foreign media reports, Saudi Arabia has demanded that Pakistan repay a $6.3 billion loan. This is because Pakistan failed to fulfill a bilateral defense agreement, under which an attack on one country is considered an attack on both.
To be honest, it truly came as a surprise that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has reached such a critical point. Just last year, the two countries signed a military pact: Pakistan would provide security protection for Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia pledged to increase investment in Pakistan and offer loans. Yet here we are—just one Middle East war ignited by the U.S. and Israel has tested their alliance so severely.
Saudi Arabia is now using Pakistan’s failure to honor the treaty as grounds for demanding repayment. But in reality, Pakistan is also dissatisfied with Saudi Arabia. After all, where are the promised investments from Saudi Arabia? There’s not even a trace of them. How can Saudi Arabia then expect Pakistan to send troops? In fact, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister recently visited China, signaling Pakistan’s stance to de-escalate tensions rather than escalate conflict.
From Pakistan’s perspective, if they were actually to intervene militarily, they’d have to worry about India, Afghanistan, and Iran—all potential distractions. Pakistan certainly doesn’t want to completely break ties with Iran. Moreover, Pakistan’s domestic economy is already struggling; getting involved in war would be far from wise. Clearly, the recent rift between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has come to light, reminding once again that military treaties should not be signed lightly—because one misstep could jeopardize the nation’s entire creditworthiness.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861431021010954/
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