The enduring relationship.

It's a common adage that there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies in international relations. All the relations are interest-based and there are fewer times when two countries interact with each other without any purpose. But we have examples throughout our own history when we found our friends standing by Pakistan and helping it overcome issues it confronts. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) stands tall in the list of Pakistan's friendly countries.

The relationship between Pakistan and KSA is such that it has been surmounting all challenges, especially that Pakistan confronted throughout its history. The political, economic, military and social bonds between the two countries are exemplary ever since Pakistan came into being. Since Pakistan's inception in 1947, it has faced territorial conflicts with India which are still lingering on. Pakistan has always been in need of friends who could help it further its political stance vis a vis India. Fortunately, we never had to worry as we have always had an influential country like KSA by our side. Saudi Arabia enjoys a unique position in the Islamic world, needless to mention, because of the most sacred holy sites it harbours.

Its tilt towards Pakistan has always been no less than a blessing for us. Even after fostering good relations between KSA and India, its affinity for Pakistan has seldom shrunk. Whenever Pakistan speaks for Kashmir, Riyadh upfront supports the Pakistani narrative. Pakistan has expressed its firm resolve to defend every inch of Saudi Arabia if there is any impending foreign invasion of the holy land. In economic terms, KSA has been an outright supporter who has always pulled Pakistan out of crises through a variety of measures. Be it granted in terms of cash and crude, soft loans or deposits, KSA has always been a lending hand.

Around 2.5M Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia forming 10 percent of the total KSA population and the third largest expatriate community. They send billions of dollars back home which is the mainstay of our economy. Even today when we are facing the worst economic crisis, KSA has $3bn deposits in the Pakistani treasury. Also, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has vowed to increase Saudi investment in Pakistan by up to $10bn. Pakistan has always been grateful for the financial favours that KSA has offered. Military relations between the two countries have been unparalleled. Since as far back as 1970, our military officers have been deputed...