New Delhi: In his first foreign visit after assuming office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on a two-day-trip to the country and the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.
His arrival in Saudi, a day ahead of India-Pakistan match in Emirates, has stirred speculations that watching the Asia Cup match is on his list. However, it has not yet been officially confirmed, though media reports hint at it.
As per GEO TV, the cricketer turned politician will be watching Pakistan’s cricket match against India. The two countries are playing a match in UAE after 2006.
Khan started off with his maiden foreign trip exactly a month after he came to power in Pakistan.
By picking the oil-rich ally for the first foreign trip, Khan has swirled speculations that he may be seeking economic assistance. With a balance-of-payments crisis staring the country in the face, it is expected to seek billions of dollars to avert the crisis.
Khan is being accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. They are expected to meet Saudi King Salman in the Western city of Jeddah.
As per reports, a state banquet will be hosted by King Salman at the Royal Court; Khan will also meet the crown prince of Saudi.
Talks between the two leaders will concern key bilateral, regional and international matters, with a speculated financial assistance request.
It has been predicted that with the current faltering economic situation, Pakistan will have to go to International Monetary Fund for a fresh bailout. Pakistan is struggling with militant extremism, water shortage and growing population. It looks up to assistance from Chan and Saudi for tackling the pressing problems.
Imran Khan reaches Saudi Arabia on first foreign trip; expected to watch India-Pak match in Dubai
ABP News Bureau
Updated at:
19 Sep 2018 08:24 AM (IST)
Pakistan's Imran Khan in Saudi: With a balance-of-payments crisis staring the country in the face, it is expected to seek billions of dollars assistance from its oil-rich ally; speculations are also on about Khan's plan to watch Pakistan Vs India Asia Cup match in Dubai.
Image: Facebook @PTIofficial
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