Slide 1

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed strong bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia was one
of those first countries which recognized Pakistan after independence 1947. In 1951, treaty of
friendship was signed between two countries that laid down the foundation of cooperation.
Whether it was war of 1965, 1971 or sanctions put on Pakistan during conduction nuclear
experiments, Saudi Arabia always stood with Pakistan and provided economic support to
Pakistan. Pak Saudi relations are also based on religious ties and both countries are leading
members of organization of Islamic cooperation.
Slide 2:
Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia can be categorized in two eras, i.e., pre
and post-1970
In the pre- 1970s era, Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia was cordial, but after
the 1970s, the relationship between the two countries improved many-fold.
In 1998, when Pakistan was conduction nuclear tests, Saudi Arabia promised 50,000
barrels of free oil daily to help Pakistan cope with economic sanctions. Pakistan
received 1.5 billion dollars worth of free oil.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained good relations in commercial and trade
sectors. The trade volume between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is $4 billion per year.
Pakistan maintains close military ties with Saudi Arabia, providing extensive training
support for the Saudi military. During Gulf war, Pakistan deployed 13000 troops in
Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosts around 5.8 million expatriates. Saudi Arabia is a
Muslim country and therefore attracts millions of Pakistani workers to earn livelihood
in Saudi Arabia.
Slide 3:
So the IR theory that best explains the relationships of Saudi Arabia with Pakistan is
Constructivism. Mutual relations I just described in previous slide show, how the
relations have constructed overtime between two states.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has long history of cultural, religious, political and
strategic relations that evolved through the ongoing process of social practice and
interaction.
Relations are not entirely based on material terms, but built on identities and
interests. Both being Muslim countries have a lot to do with bringing the states
closer. Now the identities and behavior of both countries have become important in
analyzing how they behave.

Strong shared ideas, mutual cooperation and never ending friendship has also
played vital role in socially constructing the relationship between two states.

Slide 4:
Although constructivism best describes Pakistan Saudi relations however, some
aspects of realism can also be found. Pakistan has adopted the policy of give and
take. For every favor offered, Pakistan receives something in return; whether it is
free oil or economic support during wars.
In recent case of Yemen, where Saudi Arabia asked military support from Pakistan,
Pakistan in return is thinking on demanding support on GCC forum where GCC will
put restriction on Indian employees and support Pakistan on many forums