Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Saudi Arabia has employed Pakistan to enhance internal security for the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

Diplomats said the Saudi royal family has been working with Pakistan to bolster security in the GCC state. They said Pakistan would supply trained personnel for most of the Saudi armed forces, including police and National Guard.

“These two countries have very close relations, and Pakistan has responded to Saudi security needs,” a diplomat said.

On Jan. 6, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal visited Pakistan and discussed cooperation proposals. Diplomats said Saud assured Pakistani leaders that the 1.5 million Pakistani laborers would not be expelled from Saudi Arabia. In 2013, Riyad cracked down on illegal foreigners, and more than one million were said to have left the kingdom.

The diplomats said Pakistanis could be deployed for fixed-site security missions, including the pilgrimage site in Mecca. They said Riyad was also expected to enlist Islamabad’s support for plans to establish a 100,000-member GCC military force to counter the threat from neighboring Iran.

“Pakistan is seen by the Saudis and other GCC states as a non-threatening country that needs the money,” the diplomat said.

The sources said the Saudis have been wooed by Arab states to help
bolster Gulf security. They included Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, all regarded as
unsuitable for a significant role. Turkey has also sought to become a major
supplier and trainer to Riyad.

“These countries, with the exception of Jordan, are all seen as
potential rivals,” the diplomat said.

  Islamabad, Mecca, Pakistani laborers, Prince Saud Al Faisal, Saudi Arabia hires cash-strapped Pakistan to bolster security