Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that the much-anticipated visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to Pakistan is in the planning stages, with final dates expected to be confirmed by the kingdom later this month.

“We anticipate receiving the final dates for the visit from Saudi Arabia in May, InshaAllah,” stated FM Dar during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday.

His remarks follow a report by Geo News, citing sources, that the Saudi crown prince is likely to visit Pakistan between May 10 to 15.

This visit will mark Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s first trip to Pakistan in five years, having last visited in February 2019 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“The visit of the Saudi crown prince is currently being planned,” commented the foreign minister in response to inquiries.

FM Dar recalled that during a recent meeting between a Pakistani delegation and the Saudi crown prince in Makkah, Prince Salman had assured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of his intention to visit Pakistan.

“In Ramadan, the crown prince conveyed to PM Shehbaz that he would undertake a visit to Pakistan following initial discussions between Pakistani and Saudi officials,” FM Dar revealed.

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, led an official ministerial delegation to Pakistan from April 15-16 to follow up on agreements made between PM Shehbaz Sharif and the crown prince during their meeting in Makkah Al Mukarramah, with the aim of advancing discussions on enhanced economic cooperation.

Moreover, a significant Saudi trade delegation comprising 50 members and headed by Deputy Investment Minister Ibrahim Almubarak visited Pakistan on May 5-6 to explore opportunities for trade and investment, thereby bolstering bilateral relations.

Pakistan is optimistic about substantial investments from Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia. Last month, the kingdom reiterated its commitment to expedite the initial phase of its $5 billion investment in Pakistan.