Pakistan has put a $1.5 billion defence deal with Sudan on hold after Saudi Arabia asked for the agreement to be terminated and declined to finance the purchase, according to Reuters.
The deal involved the supply of weapons and fighter jets, and had reportedly reached advanced stages earlier this year, with Riyadh initially playing a role in brokering the agreement. However, Saudi Arabia later withdrew from financing, effectively stalling the deal, with sources indicating that Pakistan was asked to halt the arrangement.
The development comes against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing conflict between its army and paramilitary forces, which has turned into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Pakistan had been actively pursuing defence exports following increased global attention on its military equipment after last year’s tensions with India.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s key economic and strategic partners, providing critical financial support in recent years, which has further deepened ties between the two countries. Western countries had advised Saudi Arabia to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts in Africa.
The move has also cast uncertainty over another reported $4 billion defence deal linked to Libya, as Saudi Arabia is said to be reassessing its broader regional strategy.
Neither Pakistan’s Armed Forces nor Saudi officials have publicly commented on the development, while Sudan’s authorities have also not issued a response.
📢 For the latest Business news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
