ABU DHABI Ñ Saudi Arabia will import
an increasing number of Pakistani military and security advisers and personnel.
Gulf defense sources said Riyad agreed to permit additional Pakistanis
for a number of projects as well as to
replace some of the Westerners who have left the kingdom over the last year.
Pakistan is regarded as a leading ally of Saudi Arabia. Islamabad helps
train Saudi military and security personnel as well as help operate aircraft
and naval vessels, Middle East Newsline reported.
Moreover, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have engaged in a joint venture to
produce light weapons and ammunition in the kingdom. The sources said the
two countries plan to expand the project to include mortar and heavy
munitions.
Islamabad has reported that Saudi Arabia has increased manpower levels
for Pakistani nationals for construction projects. They included the
construction of a transmission line from the Saudi cities of Mecca to Taif.
Saudi Arabia has instituted a law that requires that 35 percent of the
manpower by foreign companies be composed of Saudi nationals. But the law
has been relaxed to facilitate major projects in communications, energy and
the military. Pakistani nationals also serve as doctors, paramedics and
nurses in the kingdom.
