Clamour, concerns over Saudi gift termed baseless
Click here to View Printed Statements
Conspiracy to divide army fizzled out
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday said Saudi gift of $1.5 billion is an unconditional grant which has helped cash-strapped Pakistani government stabilise economy.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have warm ties since long but the gift ignited immediate concern among opposition politicians, local and foreign journalists, and some security experts which are baseless, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.
He said that Saudi gift has stabilised currency, reduced inflation, condensed debt burden and improved forex reserves but it perturbed many ill-informed circles.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that many opposition leaders were also influenced by the conspiracy theories and started attacking government while raising questions without bothering to find reason behind the Saudi move.
Credible security sources have informed that gift was not aimed at providing forces or weapons for Syrian rebels; Pakistan has been facing shortage of army to face the security challenges therefore sending forces to any country is out of question, they added.
Moreover, rumours were spread regarding sending troops to Syria to divide army that have failed to dent the unity of that institution which stands united, the sources told Dr. Murtaza Mughal and SVP PEW Abdullah Tariq.
They said that Saudi Arabia was inking defence deal with a country with whom its bilateral trade stands at USD 45 billion. Since Pakistan has not very cordial ties with that country, Saudi government decided to take Pakistani authorities into confidence.
Subsequently top Saudi officials visited Pakistan and a much-needed cash was gifted to help country’s economy which boosted the forex reserves beyond dollar 10 billion, improved stock market and restored the confidence of investors.
They said that Saudi Arabia was under no obligation to take Pakistani authorities into confidence but they felt it appriorate due to cordial relations.
Due to some reasons the matter wasn’t made public that gave an opportunity to opposition, foreign media and enemies of the state to play their dirty game.
