Pakistan to secure $5bn from Saudi Arabia, Qatar ahead of UAE debt payment

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have assured Pakistan of $5 billion in financial assistance to help ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, official sources said on Saturday.

The support comes as Islamabad faces mounting external obligations, including the repayment of $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April.

Officials said the financial assistance would help Pakistan manage external payments and stabilise reserves, which remain under strain due to rising import costs and global economic pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday night to discuss economic cooperation and regional developments. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.

Pakistan has sought additional financial support, including an expansion of existing cash deposits and an extension of its oil financing facility, which is due to expire later this month.

While no formal agreement was announced, officials said discussions between the finance ministries of the countries had been ongoing.

Authorities warned that without fresh inflows, Pakistan’s reserves could decline further in the coming weeks. The government is also engaging with international partners ahead of key financial meetings in Washington.