Prime Minister Imran Khan achieved what he set out to do in Saudi Arabia. And now Pakistan’s begging bowl runneth over. Or at least is some $6 billion the richer. For the Kingdom has agreed to cough up $3 billion in foreign currency support for a one-year period. As well as the same amount in terms of deferred oil payments; also over 12 months.

Yet news of this veritable goody bag was almost overshadowed by the premier’s first post-election interview to international media that senior PTI leader Naeem-ul-Haq insisted never happened. Despite one British national carrying as its headline the premier’s own words: “We’re desperate”. Moreover, those two words — which reportedly impacted local stock markets negatively — were proffered by way of explaining Khan’s attendance at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in the wake of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

But it was his speech to the conference where the PM should have considered holding back somewhat. In his chat with foreign news outlets he refrained from disclosing his real thoughts about President Trump; on the grounds that it would be unbefitting for a head of government to dish the dirt. Nevertheless, he used the occasion of the FII to lambast India over rebuffing Pakistan’s overtures for peace in the immediate aftermath of electoral victory. It matters not that Khan has said this before. The bottom line is that repeating such sentiments at an international forum of this type can be avoided. Simply put, it detracts from the pertinent points of the address. Such as, an improved security situation amenable to both foreign and local investors. Or the government’s commitment to girls’ education.

Yet when all is said and done, it still remains unclear as to why Khan had to hop over to Riyadh to say what he has said many times before. After all, the purpose of FII is to attract investment flows into the Kingdom. Meaning that there was no real reason for the PM to deliver a public speech in this way. Not when it was only the Saudis who were being touched up for cash. Unless, of course, Pakistan wanted to drive home the message that it really is so desperate that it will do anything for hard currency injections. Including perfecting the art of public begging. *

Published in Daily Times, October 24th 2018.