Saudi prince in Pak as Pulwama looms large

ISLAMABAD, February 17

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday kicked off his tour of South Asia and China with a high-profile visit to Pakistan, but the trip risks being overshadowed by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

PM Imran Khan and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa welcomed the prince, with Pakistan sending fighter jets to guide the incoming plane of Prince Mohammed, who is set to sign investment agreements of over $10 billion.

The tour is seen as a attempt by the prince to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi, analysts say. But his arrival comes amid a vow by India to isolate Pakistan internationally following the deadly attack in Kashmir.

The crown prince will arrive in India on February 19 on his first official visit. Counter-terrorism and energy security are expected to top the agenda. — Agencies