Saudi deposit.

Saudi Finance Minister Muhammad Al-Jadaan has told a foreign news agency on the sidelines of the Davos meeting that he country is finalizing the modalities for the continuance of the Saudi deposit of $3 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan. Tpnl witdrawal of psit, icwas , was expected to weigh heavily on the Pakistani foreign exchange reserves, which have been bleeding recently. This extension of tenor will provide Pakistan much relief, for when this deposit was combined with the $2 billion deposit by China, also due, it was expected to prove a heavy burden for Pakistan.

China had made the continuation of its deposit conditional upon IMF approval. Saudi Arabia did not make this an absolute condition, though a roll-over by the UAE is also linked to this approval. The Doha negotiations between the IMF and Pakistan will be affected by this Saudi decision, to the benefit of Pakistan, which will now be less under pressure to achieve a deal. It should be noted that this decision took place after concerted efforts by Pakistani high officials. Prime Minister...