Saudi, Qatar Assure Pakistan Of $5 Billion Amid Debt Repayment Obligations To UAE

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 23:10 IST

Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledge $5 billion to support Pakistans weak reserves as it repays $3.5 billion to UAE, amid Middle East tensions and domestic criticism of UAE.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have assured Pakistan of $5 billion to avert pressure on the country’s weak foreign reserves while making external payments by June, Pakistan official sources told Anadolu Agency on Saturday.

According to Anadolu, Riyadh has assured Islamabad of its financial support amid mounting external pressures and rising costs linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

This comes as Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday. The meeting was focused on economic cooperation and regional developments. Though no formal agreements were signed on Friday, discussions on financial support were reportedly initiated previously between the two finance ministers.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran situation, factors that risk further pressuring Pakistan’s already fragile external position.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pakistan has requested additional financial assistance, including an expansion of existing cash deposits and an extension of its oil financing facility, which is set to expire later this month.

The assistance comes as Pakistan prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April.

Pakistan’s foreign exchanges is under pressure due to rising import costs. The officials predict that the reserves could decline further in the coming weeks if there are no fresh inflows.

Without fresh financial support or rollover arrangements, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are projected to fall to around $11.5 billion, a level that would tighten liquidity and raise concerns over external stability.

Recently, Pakistani senator Mushahid Hussain mocked the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country that has long supported Pakistan financially, on camera.

Speaking to a news channel, Hussain referred to the UAE as “bechara" and “majboor". He said he was “glad" Pakistan had decided to repay loans taken over the years, adding that the UAE itself was “bechara" and “majboor" in need.

News world Saudi, Qatar Assure Pakistan Of $5 Billion Amid Debt Repayment Obligations To UAE

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