Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman recently sacked two royals from positions of power as part of an anti-corruption drive.&nbsp;

Prince Fahd Bin Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the commander of Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and&nbsp;his son, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Fahd, the deputy governor of the Al-Jauf region have been removed.

They both have been charged with suspicious financial dealings in the Ministry of Defence. Along with lieutenant general Fahd and his son, four military officers have been fired.

In 2015, Mohammed Bin Salman led Saudi Arabia and its allies into the Yemen war. Lt general Fahd became the commander in Yemen. Since then, the war has turned into a regional conflict.

Iran-backed Houthis currently hold the north, while the Saudi-led coalition operates in the south, in support of the Yemen government. But, since last year some of the allies have withdrawn. Mohammed Bin Salman is possibly looking for a replacement to Lt General Fahd.

A political move?

Many believe this is a chance for Mohammed Bin Salman to further consolidate power among the royal elite.

A similar trajectory was implied in the case of Mohammed Bin Nayef, who was the crown prince and the interior minister in 2015. He was made to give up both the positions by Salman. He was detained in march this year on charges of corruption.

Mohammed Bin Salman also expelled Bin Nayef's close aides. One of them is Saad Al-Jabri, an intelligence officer. Together they are accused of misusing 11 billion Dollars of government money.

Al-Jabri, who lives in Canada has filed a case against the Saudi crown prince in the US and claims his life is under threat after a failed assassination attempt.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman recently sacked two royals from positions of power as part of an anti-corruption drive. Prince Fahd Bin Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the commander of Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and his son, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Fahd, the deputy governor of the Al-Jauf region have been removed.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman recently sacked two royals from positions of power as part of an anti-corruption drive. Prince Fahd Bin Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the commander of Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and his son, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Fahd, the deputy governor of the Al-Jauf region have been removed. They both have been charged with suspicious financial dealings in the Ministry of Defence. Along with lieutenant general Fahd and his son, four military officers have been fired. In 2015, Mohammed Bin Salman led Saudi Arabia and its allies into the Yemen war. Lt general Fahd became the commander in Yemen. Since then, the war has turned into a regional conflict. Iran-backed Houthis currently hold the north, while the Saudi-led coalition operates in the south, in support of the Yemen government. But, since last year some of the allies have withdrawn. Mohammed Bin Salman is possibly looking for a replacement to Lt General Fahd. A political move? Many believe this is a chance for Mohammed Bin Salman to further consolidate power among the royal elite. A similar trajectory was implied in the case of Mohammed Bin Nayef, who was the crown prince and the interior minister in 2015. He was made to give up both the positions by Salman. He was detained in march this year on charges of corruption. Mohammed Bin Salman also expelled Bin Nayef's close aides. One of them is Saad Al-Jabri, an intelligence officer. Together they are accused of misusing 11 billion Dollars of government money. Al-Jabri, who lives in Canada has filed a case against the Saudi crown prince in the US and claims his life is under threat after a failed assassination attempt.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges!

Saudi Arabia has appointed 10 women in senior roles at Islam’s two holiest sites. The appointment of women in senior positions at religious institutions is in the midst of a wide-ranging liberalization drive spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mecca and Medina Mosques appoint women at senior positions

You get what you pay for. Its a commonly used phrase for Chinese products. Most of us are aware of the stellar quality of Chinese products. But Pakistan is not most of us. It is the 'all-weather' ally of China. So Pakistan let china build an airport. &nbsp;The Islamabad International Airport which has been operating since 2018.

The construction of this airport was undertaken by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation. One of the largest state-owned construction companies in China. It took $ 2.6 billion and gave Pakistan one of its largest and most advanced airports.

This airport's terminal has 15 gates. Duty-free shops, air malls, food court, business centre, cinema, 42 immigration counters and now it has a leaking roof. An entire section of the ceiling at this airport has collapsed.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-made-airport-leaks-in-islamabad-321334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This was a result of incessant rains and of course Chinese manufacturing. &nbsp;What's worse is that this happened on the 14th of August, independence day of Pakistan. And rainwater is still seeping through the damaged roof of the airport. According to the airport authorities, there's heavy leakage at various points now. Numerous pieces of the false ceiling have collapsed in the last 3 days. The officials are struggling to flush the water out. The 'all-weather' China-Pakistan friendship seems to have failed the test of monsoon.

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan is trying hard to fix its ties with Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has landed in Riyadh. Accompanying him is general Faiz Hameed, the head of ISI, Pakistan's rogue spy agency. According to Pakistan media reports, Bajwa's visit is primarily 'military affairs oriented'...

Bajwa's visit is only aimed at fixing the ruining relationship between the two countries. He's there to calm things down. Saudi Arabia has already forced Pakistan to pay back 1 billion dollars. Now it is demanding another billion dollars from the 3.2 billion loans Islamabad borrowed. Things don't look good. Both for Pakistan-Saudi ties. And for the man responsible for ruining to some extend them is Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the motor-mouth foreign minister of Pakistan.

Qureshi had openly threatened Saudi Arabia in a TV interview and reprimanded the Organisation of Islamic Countries for apparently dragging its feet on Kashmir. Qureshi's activism has led him to the brink of an ouster. There are unconfirmed reports that shah Mahmood Qureshi may lose his post as the Pakistan foreign minister. Islamabad is likely to sacrifice this leader in its attempts to mend damaged relations with Riyadh. Who are they going to replace him with?. So far -- Shireen Mazari -- the human rights minister of Pakistan is said to be the top choice. But nothing is confirmed yet. A leaking roof at an international airport. An army chief hiding in Saudi Arabia. A foreign minister is likely to be thrown under the bus.

It is going to be a rough week for Pakistan.

You get what you pay for. Its a commonly used phrase for Chinese products. Most of us are aware of the stellar quality of Chinese products. But Pakistan is not most of us.

You get what you pay for. Its a commonly used phrase for Chinese products. Most of us are aware of the stellar quality of Chinese products. But Pakistan is not most of us. It is the 'all-weather' ally of China. So Pakistan let china build an airport. The Islamabad International Airport which has been operating since 2018. The construction of this airport was undertaken by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation. One of the largest state-owned construction companies in China. It took $ 2.6 billion and gave Pakistan one of its largest and most advanced airports. This airport's terminal has 15 gates. Duty-free shops, air malls, food court, business centre, cinema, 42 immigration counters and now it has a leaking roof. An entire section of the ceiling at this airport has collapsed. This was a result of incessant rains and of course Chinese manufacturing. What's worse is that this happened on the 14th of August, independence day of Pakistan. And rainwater is still seeping through the damaged roof of the airport. According to the airport authorities, there's heavy leakage at various points now. Numerous pieces of the false ceiling have collapsed in the last 3 days. The officials are struggling to flush the water out. The 'all-weather' China-Pakistan friendship seems to have failed the test of monsoon. Meanwhile, Pakistan is trying hard to fix its ties with Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has landed in Riyadh. Accompanying him is general Faiz Hameed, the head of ISI, Pakistan's rogue spy agency. According to Pakistan media reports, Bajwa's visit is primarily 'military affairs oriented'... Bajwa's visit is only aimed at fixing the ruining relationship between the two countries. He's there to calm things down. Saudi Arabia has already forced Pakistan to pay back 1 billion dollars. Now it is demanding another billion dollars from the 3.2 billion loans Islamabad borrowed. Things don't look good. Both for Pakistan-Saudi ties. And for the man responsible for ruining to some extend them is Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the motor-mouth foreign minister of Pakistan. Qureshi had openly threatened Saudi Arabia in a TV interview and reprimanded the Organisation of Islamic Countries for apparently dragging its feet on Kashmir. Qureshi's activism has led him to the brink of an ouster. There are unconfirmed reports that shah Mahmood Qureshi may lose his post as the Pakistan foreign minister. Islamabad is likely to sacrifice this leader in its attempts to mend damaged relations with Riyadh. Who are they going to replace him with?. So far -- Shireen Mazari -- the human rights minister of Pakistan is said to be the top choice. But nothing is confirmed yet. A leaking roof at an international airport. An army chief hiding in Saudi Arabia. A foreign minister is likely to be thrown under the bus. It is going to be a rough week for Pakistan.

'All-weather' China-Pakistan friendship fails the test of monsoon

Qatar is expecting the economy to contract this year after it shrank by 0.3% last year. Watch report.

Saudi Arabia faces 6.8% contraction: Qatar economy to contract

Why is fuel known as the 'liquid gold'? Fuel for long has been known as the 'liquid gold' because of its high value globally. It also serves as a direct or indirect source for many products produced for commercial needs, hence making it an extremely important commodity.

Why is fuel known as the 'liquid gold'? Fuel for long has been known as the 'liquid gold' because of its high value globally. It also serves as a direct or indirect source for many products produced for commercial needs, hence making it an extremely important commodity. Like gold, it is expensive and difficult to find, making it precious for humans. The following report is a glimpse of how the oil-dependent Gulf nations producing the 'liquid gold' is the biggest loser in Covid-19 crisis and what does it mean for India. How COVID-19 took away the 'liquid gold' status from Fuel? The coronavirus pandemic took a major toll on the oil-driven economies earnings. The global consumption of oil is down by 30% with storage capacity nearing its maximum. Oil prices further lowered down last Friday amid fear of slower recovery of demand than expected from COVID-91 lockdowns. The oil even touched its lowest in April, when WTI briefly turned negative. OPEC and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, have cut output since May by around 10% of pre-pandemic global demand to support the market. The decline in output and slow recovery in demand has resulted in a steep fall in oil prices, taking the 'liquid gold' status away from petroleum. How are Gulf Economies reeling under the COVID-19 crisis? A recent Reuters Poll forecasts how oil-dependent Gulf Economies are expected to contract in 2020 before rebounding in 2021. The Reuters Poll was conducted by industry analysts. Saudi Arabia, the biggest economy among Gulf Nations is expected to shrink by 5.2 per cent in 2020. The analysts also expect the Saudi economy to grow by 3.1 per cent in 2021. Kuwait, another Gulf nation is expected to suffer the strongest blow, according to analysts. The poll suggests Kuwait's economy is seen shedding as much as 6.1 per cent in 2020 before it rebounds to 2.5 per cent positive growth. The United Arab Emirates will suffer a contraction comparable with Saudi Arabia’s, at 5.1 per cent, and enjoy a rebound to 2.6 per cent in 2021, according to the polled analysts. An earlier forecast courtesy IMF’s director of the Middle East and Central Asia department, said the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council will contract by a combined 7.6 per cent this year because of the oil price slump and the coronavirus pandemic. Bahrain and Oman continue to remain the weakest links with the vulnerability ratings in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) with breakeven oil prices of 81.1 and 72.2 respectively and external debt to GDP of 192.9 and 105.6 respectively. A recent IMF report on Gulf Arab states suggested how the world's richest economies could see their financial wealth depleted in the next 15 years if they don't step up the fiscal reforms. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - whose net financial wealth the IMF estimates at $2 trillion - accounts for over one-fifth of global oil supply, but economies in the region have been hit hard by a drop in oil prices in 2014 and 2015, reported news agency Reuters. While lower crude prices have put pressure on governments to generate non-oil revenues and fix their finances, “the effect of lower hydrocarbon revenue is yet to be fully offset,” the IMF said in a report. “At the current fiscal stance, the region’s existing financial wealth could be depleted in the next 15 years,” it said. Saudi Aramco recently announced that its profit fell by 73% as oil demand shrank never like before. Saudi Aramco which is the world's largest oil company reflects the kind of hard it the sector faces. The profits plunge amid lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the virus, further continuing the cut in demand for oil, resulting in slamming the prices globally. Plunging oil prices and the deepening fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is a double blow to Gulf governments as they seek to protect their energy-dependent economies. What does the Pandemic mean for Indians and Asians in the Gulf? The COVID-19 pandemic is being seen as one of the key factors in the demographic changes it will bring in the Gulf Countries or GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Kuwait in a recent move introduced a bill to put a cap on migrant labourers. The bill proposed by the National Assembly in June seeks to limit the number of Indian residents and workers to 15 per cent of the country’s population. The move will result in the return to the home of about 800,000 Indians. Kuwait’s total population is 4.3 million which includes at least 1.45 million Indians. Though other Gulf Nations have not announced any such measures to be taken in their respective states, the idea cannot be ruled out in an attempt to secure their economy for their nationals. How have Indian and Asian Workers changed the Gulf Demography and its economy? Demographic Impact: According to a recent report, Non-resident Indians (NRIs) constitute up to 35 per cent of the GCC’s foreign population. Around 8.5 million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries, one of the largest concentrations of migrants in the world. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), India is one of the two top sources of origin countries (apart from the Philippines) of migrants to the Gulf countries. According to the UNDESA Migration Report 2017, out of the total 28 million foreign workers in the Gulf countries, 16.9 million (60 %) comprise workers from South Asia. In total, 31.5 % of migrants are from India, followed by Bangladesh (11 %), Pakistan (10.8 %), Sri Lanka, Nepal and Afghanistan. Other than these South Asian countries, the Philippines is another major source of foreign workers. According to a report by GLMM (Gulf Labour Markets and Migration), the population of GCC states has grown 12 times during the past six decades, from 4 million in 1950 to 50.1 million in 2016. A majority of the massive rise can be seen because of the inflow of foreign workers. Economic Impact: Over the decades, nationals have developed an unwillingness to perform manual work or to engage in the private sector, although they have been very attracted to jobs in the public sector. This has led to large-scale migration in the Gulf Nations in sectors employing mostly non-nationals. Overall, the deepening economic crisis will hurt migrations from India in the GCC nations. How will it impact the Indian Economy? According to a recent World Bank Report, India will be taking a 23% hit on remittances in 2020 to $64 billion. This is also the sharpest fall in recent history due to the loss of employment and wages for migrant workers in Gulf countries. The drop in remittances from Gulf Countries will be a significant contributor to the sharp decline in overall remittances for India. In 2019, India recorded a 5.5% growth in remittance receipts to $83 billion. Another report by Swiss Banking Group UBS suggested India's remittances to decline by 25% in the year 2020. The banking group said, that it expects private transfers to slow to $55-60 billion in FY21 on a year-on-year basis.

Explained: COVID-19 impact on oil, Gulf economies, Indians and India's remittance

Saudi Arabia -- in a very first -- has appointed as many as ten women in senior roles at Islam's two holiest sites.

The women were appointed in the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina across various departments, including administrative and technical, according to statement released by the general presidency for the affairs of the two holy mosques.

The said recruitment drive is aimed at "empowering Saudi women with high qualifications and capabilities", the statement said.

The two holy mosques previously recruited 41 women in leadership positions in 2018, according to Saudi media.

The appointment of women in senior positions at religious institutions is rare in the Islamic kingdom, which is in the midst of a wide-ranging liberalisation drive spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prince Mohammed has sought to boost employment for women as part of his "Vision 2030" plan, which is aimed at diversifying the kingdom's economy and ending its addiction to oil.

The number of working women in Saudi Arabia reached 1.03 million in the third quarter of 2019, 35 per cent of the total workforce, compared to 816,000 in 2015, according to official figures.

In other reforms, women in the kingdom are now allowed to drive cars, cinemas have reopened and genders are permitted to mix at events, including concerts, and in public places.

On the contrary, as reports suggest, Saudi Arabia has detained and put on trial a dozen women activists who long campaigned for the right to drive. Some of the activists allege they were tortured and sexually harassed by interrogators.

Saudi Arabia -- in a very first -- has appointed as many as ten women in senior roles at Islam's two holiest sites. The women were appointed in the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina across various departments, including administrative and technical, according to statement released by the general presidency for the affairs of the two holy mosques.

Saudi Arabia -- in a very first -- has appointed as many as ten women in senior roles at Islam's two holiest sites. The women were appointed in the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina across various departments, including administrative and technical, according to statement released by the general presidency for the affairs of the two holy mosques. The said recruitment drive is aimed at "empowering Saudi women with high qualifications and capabilities", the statement said. The two holy mosques previously recruited 41 women in leadership positions in 2018, according to Saudi media. The appointment of women in senior positions at religious institutions is rare in the Islamic kingdom, which is in the midst of a wide-ranging liberalisation drive spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Prince Mohammed has sought to boost employment for women as part of his "Vision 2030" plan, which is aimed at diversifying the kingdom's economy and ending its addiction to oil. The number of working women in Saudi Arabia reached 1.03 million in the third quarter of 2019, 35 per cent of the total workforce, compared to 816,000 in 2015, according to official figures. In other reforms, women in the kingdom are now allowed to drive cars, cinemas have reopened and genders are permitted to mix at events, including concerts, and in public places. On the contrary, as reports suggest, Saudi Arabia has detained and put on trial a dozen women activists who long campaigned for the right to drive. Some of the activists allege they were tortured and sexually harassed by interrogators.

Saudi Arabia appoints ten women in senior roles in holy mosques

Pakistan's army chief arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.

Watch&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-ceiling-of-pakistan-airport-collapses-due-to-heavy-rains-321135">Ceiling of Pakistan airport collapses due to heavy rains</a>

General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in Riyadh at 10 a.m. (0700 GMT), the embassy said. A military source said the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) General Faiz Hameed is accompanying Bajwa.

Pakistan's army chief arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.

Pakistan's army chief arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation. Watch | Ceiling of Pakistan airport collapses due to heavy rains General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in Riyadh at 10 a.m. (0700 GMT), the embassy said. A military source said the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) General Faiz Hameed is accompanying Bajwa.

Pakistan army chief arrives in Saudi Arabia to revive strained ties

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

Since late May, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their cross-border attacks after a truce prompted by the coronavirus pandemic expired. In late June, missiles reached the Saudi capital Riyadh. The coalition has retaliated with airstrikes.

According to Masirah TV, run by the Iran-aligned Houthis, &nbsp;that Saudi-led coalition airstrikes had damaged fuel tanks in a factory in Houthi-held territory.

The SPA on Thursday said that Saudi-led forces intercepted two ballistic missiles and an armed drone that was launched towards southern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen has escalated ever since Saudi Arabia decided to intervene in March 2015. the Saudi-led coalition aims to restore the Yemeni government ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by Houthi forces. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA. Since late May, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their cross-border attacks after a truce prompted by the coronavirus pandemic expired. In late June, missiles reached the Saudi capital Riyadh. The coalition has retaliated with airstrikes. According to Masirah TV, run by the Iran-aligned Houthis, that Saudi-led coalition airstrikes had damaged fuel tanks in a factory in Houthi-held territory. The SPA on Thursday said that Saudi-led forces intercepted two ballistic missiles and an armed drone that was launched towards southern Saudi Arabia. The conflict in Yemen has escalated ever since Saudi Arabia decided to intervene in March 2015. the Saudi-led coalition aims to restore the Yemeni government ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by Houthi forces. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.

Saudi-led coalition intercepts ballistic missiles aimed at kingdom: SPA

From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies.

The mixed response highlighted new fault lines in a region where fear and distrust of Iran - shared by Israel and some Arab states - has challenged a decades-old allegiance to the Palestinian issue as a major driver of Arab policy.

Palestinians, who want to establish a state on West Bank territory captured by Israel in 1967, denounced the agreement as a betrayal of the long-held Arab stance that peace should be conditional on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory.

The agreement, which is set to make the UAE only the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, calls for a temporary suspension of Israel’s planned annexation of occupied West Bank territory, but not withdrawal.

The deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump helped to broker with support from senior adviser Jared Kushner, forms a new axis with the UAE aligning itself with Israel in confronting Shi’ite Muslim Iran and Sunni Islamist radicals in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-uae-deal-can-trump-ensure-peace-in-west-asia-320609">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Israel-UAE deal: Can Trump ensure peace in West Asia?</a>

This is likely to heighten tensions in the Gulf, which has in the past two years seen attacks on tankers and energy assets that the United States and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies.

Iran’s foreign minister said the deal aimed to hand Trump a win ahead of U.S. elections in November, a view echoed by the leader of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.

“It’s shameful what Abu Dhabi did ... They don’t see the Zionist regime as an enemy, but an ally and what’s happening now is to help Trump in the elections,” Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif told Al Mayadeen TV.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised speech, described the UAE move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said more Arab states would follow suit to “satisfy” Washington.

“It is good, though painful, that the masks have fallen,” he said, describing the deal as a betrayal of Islam and Arabs.

'Fall like dominoes'

Some worshippers at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where Palestinians want to establish the capital of a future state, carried pictures of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with the word “traitor” underneath his image.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-uae-peace-deal-netanyahu-hails-new-era-for-israel-320345">Also watch|&nbsp;Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel</a>

“Just like Egypt, Jordan and now Abu Dhabi, the whole Arab world will start to fall like dominoes,” said Mohammad al-Sharif, 45, a member of Israel’s Arab minority. “That Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and his dirty dogs look out for themselves and their interests and the rest of us can go to hell.”

Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Saeb Erekat spelled out the potential consequences for his people if a united Arab front splintered.

“The whole thing that we based our strategy on as Arabs is that the (2002) Arab peace initiative specified that once Israel withdraws, there will be peace between Arabs and Israelis.

“Netanyahu came determined, with Kushner, Trump... to change the formula, that they want Arab recognition of Israel while they continue with the occupation, and the United Arab Emirates yesterday stamped the green light for this,” Erekat said.

Turkey may shut embassy

Turkey, a powerful regional rival of the UAE, said history would not forgive the Gulf country for making a deal which undercut the 2002 Arab peace plan, which had proposed peace in return for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territory.

“We may also take a step in the direction of suspending diplomatic ties with the Abu Dhabi leadership or pulling back our ambassador,” President Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers, adding that he could close Turkey’s embassy.

But, in a region beset with other challenges including civil wars, poverty and economic crisis, some people appeared to have other concerns.

At Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia, converted by Erdogan to a mosque last month in a move which he portrayed as a step towards restoring “freedom” to Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, worshippers who spoke to Reuters were unaware of the announcement.

Incentive for peace

Egypt and Jordan, which signed peace deals with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively and enjoy close ties with the UAE, both welcomed the agreement. Jordan said the pact could make a beneficial impact if it spurred Israel to accept a Palestinian state on land it took in the 1967 Middle East war.

“If Israel deals with it as an incentive to end occupation..., it will move the region towards a just peace,” Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.

Oman and Bahrain praised the accord but Saudi Arabia, which has in the past led Arab policy towards Israel and hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, has remained silent, as have Kuwait and Qatar.

Jordan’s former foreign minister, Marwan al-Muasher, said it was possible other Gulf states could follow Abu Dhabi’s lead. But none of those could address the root problem.

“In the end it’s not the Gulf states who are living under occupation, it’s the Palestinians. And until you reach a solution with the Palestinians, it does not matter how many peace deals you make with Arab states,” he told Reuters.

From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies.

From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies. The mixed response highlighted new fault lines in a region where fear and distrust of Iran - shared by Israel and some Arab states - has challenged a decades-old allegiance to the Palestinian issue as a major driver of Arab policy. Palestinians, who want to establish a state on West Bank territory captured by Israel in 1967, denounced the agreement as a betrayal of the long-held Arab stance that peace should be conditional on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory. The agreement, which is set to make the UAE only the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, calls for a temporary suspension of Israel’s planned annexation of occupied West Bank territory, but not withdrawal. The deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump helped to broker with support from senior adviser Jared Kushner, forms a new axis with the UAE aligning itself with Israel in confronting Shi’ite Muslim Iran and Sunni Islamist radicals in the region. Also watch| Gravitas: Israel-UAE deal: Can Trump ensure peace in West Asia? This is likely to heighten tensions in the Gulf, which has in the past two years seen attacks on tankers and energy assets that the United States and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies. Iran’s foreign minister said the deal aimed to hand Trump a win ahead of U.S. elections in November, a view echoed by the leader of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement. “It’s shameful what Abu Dhabi did ... They don’t see the Zionist regime as an enemy, but an ally and what’s happening now is to help Trump in the elections,” Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif told Al Mayadeen TV. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised speech, described the UAE move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said more Arab states would follow suit to “satisfy” Washington. “It is good, though painful, that the masks have fallen,” he said, describing the deal as a betrayal of Islam and Arabs. 'Fall like dominoes' Some worshippers at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where Palestinians want to establish the capital of a future state, carried pictures of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with the word “traitor” underneath his image. Also watch| Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel “Just like Egypt, Jordan and now Abu Dhabi, the whole Arab world will start to fall like dominoes,” said Mohammad al-Sharif, 45, a member of Israel’s Arab minority. “That Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and his dirty dogs look out for themselves and their interests and the rest of us can go to hell.” Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Saeb Erekat spelled out the potential consequences for his people if a united Arab front splintered. “The whole thing that we based our strategy on as Arabs is that the (2002) Arab peace initiative specified that once Israel withdraws, there will be peace between Arabs and Israelis. “Netanyahu came determined, with Kushner, Trump... to change the formula, that they want Arab recognition of Israel while they continue with the occupation, and the United Arab Emirates yesterday stamped the green light for this,” Erekat said. Turkey may shut embassy Turkey, a powerful regional rival of the UAE, said history would not forgive the Gulf country for making a deal which undercut the 2002 Arab peace plan, which had proposed peace in return for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territory. “We may also take a step in the direction of suspending diplomatic ties with the Abu Dhabi leadership or pulling back our ambassador,” President Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers, adding that he could close Turkey’s embassy. But, in a region beset with other challenges including civil wars, poverty and economic crisis, some people appeared to have other concerns. At Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia, converted by Erdogan to a mosque last month in a move which he portrayed as a step towards restoring “freedom” to Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, worshippers who spoke to Reuters were unaware of the announcement. Incentive for peace Egypt and Jordan, which signed peace deals with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively and enjoy close ties with the UAE, both welcomed the agreement. Jordan said the pact could make a beneficial impact if it spurred Israel to accept a Palestinian state on land it took in the 1967 Middle East war. “If Israel deals with it as an incentive to end occupation..., it will move the region towards a just peace,” Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said. Oman and Bahrain praised the accord but Saudi Arabia, which has in the past led Arab policy towards Israel and hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, has remained silent, as have Kuwait and Qatar. Jordan’s former foreign minister, Marwan al-Muasher, said it was possible other Gulf states could follow Abu Dhabi’s lead. But none of those could address the root problem. “In the end it’s not the Gulf states who are living under occupation, it’s the Palestinians. And until you reach a solution with the Palestinians, it does not matter how many peace deals you make with Arab states,” he told Reuters.

UAE's Israel deal met with Arab dismay but quiet welcome in Gulf

The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned.

Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar addressed the media in Rawalpindi where he was asked about a media report that General Bajwa was going to Riyadh to fix some irritants in bilateral ties.

"The hearts of the Pakistani people beat with the Saudi people, so there is no need to raise questions on the relations," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-shah-mehmood-qureshi-postpones-press-briefing-after-remarks-on-saudi-arabia-319955">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia</a>

He said the upcoming visit of General Bajwa to Saudi Arabia was pre-planned and it was about military-to-military relations.

"There is no need to read too much into it. Everything is fine," he said.

Official sources said that Bajwa was expected to travel to the kingdom on Sunday.

Earlier, it was reported that historic ties between the two nations were under stress as Saudis were reluctant to call a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

Last week, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his frustration in a TV interview when he warned that Pakistan would be forced to call a special meeting of the OIC.

The OIC is dominated by the Arab block led by Riyadh and due to increasing warmth in ties with India, Saudi and the UAE rulers are apparently not willing to oblige Pakistan.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan a USD 3 billion loan and USD 3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis.

Pakistan has already paid back USD 1 billion two weeks ago to Saudi Arabia which has not so far obliged a request to extend the oil facility on deferred payments.

Reportedly, Riyadh was demanding payment of another USD 1 billion.

The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned.

The Pakistani Army on Thursday rejected any rift with Saudi Arabia and said the upcoming visit of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the kingdom was pre-planned. Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar addressed the media in Rawalpindi where he was asked about a media report that General Bajwa was going to Riyadh to fix some irritants in bilateral ties. "The hearts of the Pakistani people beat with the Saudi people, so there is no need to raise questions on the relations," he said. Also read: Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia He said the upcoming visit of General Bajwa to Saudi Arabia was pre-planned and it was about military-to-military relations. "There is no need to read too much into it. Everything is fine," he said. Official sources said that Bajwa was expected to travel to the kingdom on Sunday. Earlier, it was reported that historic ties between the two nations were under stress as Saudis were reluctant to call a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the Kashmir issue. Also read: Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties Last week, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his frustration in a TV interview when he warned that Pakistan would be forced to call a special meeting of the OIC. The OIC is dominated by the Arab block led by Riyadh and due to increasing warmth in ties with India, Saudi and the UAE rulers are apparently not willing to oblige Pakistan. In 2018, Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan a USD 3 billion loan and USD 3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis. Pakistan has already paid back USD 1 billion two weeks ago to Saudi Arabia which has not so far obliged a request to extend the oil facility on deferred payments. Reportedly, Riyadh was demanding payment of another USD 1 billion.

Pakistan denies rift with Saudi Arabia

With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue Pakistan’s army chief will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Qureshi had postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference.&nbsp;

The two countries are traditionally close and Saudi Arabia in 2018 gave Pakistan a $3 billion loan and $3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis.

But Riyadh is irked by criticism from Pakistan that Saudi Arabia has been lukewarm on the Kashmir territorial dispute, two senior military officials told Reuters, motivating General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s planned fence-building visit on Sunday.

“Yes he is travelling,” Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told Reuters, though the official line was that the visit was pre-planned and “primarily military affairs oriented.”

India and Pakistan have fought three wars over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, which both claim in full.

Pakistan has long pressed the Saudi-led Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting to highlight alleged Indian violations in the part it controls.

But the OIC has only held low-level meetings so far.

“If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told local media last week.

(With inputs from Reuters)

With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue Pakistan’s army chief will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.

With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue Pakistan’s army chief will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries. Qureshi had postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference. The two countries are traditionally close and Saudi Arabia in 2018 gave Pakistan a $3 billion loan and $3.2 billion oil credit facility to help its balance of payments crisis. But Riyadh is irked by criticism from Pakistan that Saudi Arabia has been lukewarm on the Kashmir territorial dispute, two senior military officials told Reuters, motivating General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s planned fence-building visit on Sunday. “Yes he is travelling,” Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told Reuters, though the official line was that the visit was pre-planned and “primarily military affairs oriented.” India and Pakistan have fought three wars over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, which both claim in full. Pakistan has long pressed the Saudi-led Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting to highlight alleged Indian violations in the part it controls. But the OIC has only held low-level meetings so far. “If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told local media last week. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year.

According to reports, the announcement has been made and the preparations have begun. Only the dates haven't been finalised. The Chinese president was scheduled to travel to Pakistan way back in June but thanks to the Wuhan virus, he could not.

This will be his second visit to Pakistan in 5 years. Xi Jinping last travelled to Islamabad in 2015. Another prime minister was in power Nawaz sharif. Nonetheless, a total of 51 CPEC projects were signed during this visit. Now Imran Khan is in power. One can only imagine the kind of deals that will be struck this time.

The&nbsp;visit comes at a time when Pakistan's ties with its other allies are at their worst. Saudi Arabia, the fiercest and foremost Muslim brother of Pakistan. The rift between Riyadh and Islamabad is widening. First, it made Pakistan repay 1 billion dollars from the 3 billion dollar cash loan it had borrowed in 2018. Chinese cheque-books helped Imran Khan pay back this EMI. But then Saudi Arabia also shut the oil tap for Pakistan --- it decided to not renew a 3.2 billion dollar 'oil on loan' provision.

What did the Imran Khan govt do in return?. It approved the most expensive cpec project to date. Last week, Pakistan gave the go-ahead for a 6.8 billion dollar project to update its railway lines under the cpec agreement. 
Saudi Arabia's apprehension and China's willingness to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms. The Organisation of Islamic Countries has repeatedly refused to convene a meeting on Kashmir.

The OIC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia has run out of patience with Imran Khan's Kashmir obsession. This is where China has trumped the Saudis. Last week China convened a UNSC meeting to discuss Kashmir at Pakistan's behest but almost every security council member made it clear that Kashmir was not a matter for the un body to discuss.

China's attempts may have failed. It may have been embarrassed. But its relations with Pakistan haven't changed a bit. The China-Pak partnership remains as strong as ever and Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan is an attempt to remind the world of this reality.&nbsp;

That Islamabad may be losing its friends in the Islamic world but it will forever have the support of communist China. That it will continue to get Chinese loans, Chinese projects and Chinese labourers who don't hesitate in thrashing Pakistanis over the slightest of disagreement.

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year.

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year. According to reports, the announcement has been made and the preparations have begun. Only the dates haven't been finalised. The Chinese president was scheduled to travel to Pakistan way back in June but thanks to the Wuhan virus, he could not. This will be his second visit to Pakistan in 5 years. Xi Jinping last travelled to Islamabad in 2015. Another prime minister was in power Nawaz sharif. Nonetheless, a total of 51 CPEC projects were signed during this visit. Now Imran Khan is in power. One can only imagine the kind of deals that will be struck this time. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan's ties with its other allies are at their worst. Saudi Arabia, the fiercest and foremost Muslim brother of Pakistan. The rift between Riyadh and Islamabad is widening. First, it made Pakistan repay 1 billion dollars from the 3 billion dollar cash loan it had borrowed in 2018. Chinese cheque-books helped Imran Khan pay back this EMI. But then Saudi Arabia also shut the oil tap for Pakistan --- it decided to not renew a 3.2 billion dollar 'oil on loan' provision. What did the Imran Khan govt do in return?. It approved the most expensive cpec project to date. Last week, Pakistan gave the go-ahead for a 6.8 billion dollar project to update its railway lines under the cpec agreement. Saudi Arabia's apprehension and China's willingness to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms. The Organisation of Islamic Countries has repeatedly refused to convene a meeting on Kashmir. The OIC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia has run out of patience with Imran Khan's Kashmir obsession. This is where China has trumped the Saudis. Last week China convened a UNSC meeting to discuss Kashmir at Pakistan's behest but almost every security council member made it clear that Kashmir was not a matter for the un body to discuss. China's attempts may have failed. It may have been embarrassed. But its relations with Pakistan haven't changed a bit. The China-Pak partnership remains as strong as ever and Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan is an attempt to remind the world of this reality. That Islamabad may be losing its friends in the Islamic world but it will forever have the support of communist China. That it will continue to get Chinese loans, Chinese projects and Chinese labourers who don't hesitate in thrashing Pakistanis over the slightest of disagreement.

Islamabad all set to roll out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Qureshi postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference.&nbsp;

Last week, Qureshi, during a meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers, asked OIC to stop &nbsp;“stop dilly-dallying” on the matter of Kashmir.&nbsp; 
“I am once again respectfully telling OIC that a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is our expectation. If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” he had told a TV channel.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Qureshi's remarks were well under the diplomatic norms.&nbsp;

Pakistan has urged foreign ministers for convening the meeting of the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, the second largest intergovernmental body after the UN since India scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s special status last August.

Last year, Pakistan skipped the Kuala Lampur summit on a request of Saudi Arabia and Qureshi has urged Riyadh to &nbsp;“show leadership on the issue”.

“We have our own sensitivities. You have to realise this. Gulf countries should understand this,” the foreign minister said.&nbsp;

Qureshi cleared that his statements were not given emotionally and fully understood the implications of his statement. “It’s right, I’m taking a position despite our good ties with Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries. Qureshi postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference. Last week, Qureshi, during a meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers, asked OIC to stop “stop dilly-dallying” on the matter of Kashmir. “I am once again respectfully telling OIC that a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is our expectation. If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” he had told a TV channel. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Qureshi's remarks were well under the diplomatic norms. Pakistan has urged foreign ministers for convening the meeting of the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, the second largest intergovernmental body after the UN since India scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s special status last August. Last year, Pakistan skipped the Kuala Lampur summit on a request of Saudi Arabia and Qureshi has urged Riyadh to “show leadership on the issue”. “We have our own sensitivities. You have to realise this. Gulf countries should understand this,” the foreign minister said. Qureshi cleared that his statements were not given emotionally and fully understood the implications of his statement. “It’s right, I’m taking a position despite our good ties with Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia

A leaked letter by a Pak Army officer reveals that Chinese labourers beat up Pakistani soldiers over disagreement on a CPEC project. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has shut the oil tap for Pakistan by not renewing an 'oil on loan' provision.

Gravitas: Chinese beat up Pakistanis, Saudi shuts oil tap

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia.

A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department. The report was concluded by the State Department's&nbsp;Acting Inspector General&nbsp;Diana Shaw.

The report investigated Pompeo's actions of declaring a "national emergency" to justify a $8 billion in military sales to the Gulf Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, despite congressional objections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-key-afghan-gathering-to-free-taliban-prisoners-318770">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners</a>

The Inspector General, who has followed several others in this position, has declared that there was no wrong-doing in Pompeo's decision — a decision the Trump administration wanted to hear.

Earlier in May,&nbsp;then-Inspector General Steve Linick was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump while he was investigating Pompeo.

Linick was&nbsp;was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who resigned from his post last week after recusing himself from the arms sales investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-to-discuss-us-iran-arms-embargo-push-next-week-318982">Also read:&nbsp;UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week</a>

The investigation then fell on&nbsp;&nbsp;Diana Shaw, who was Stephen's Akard's Deputy, and is now serving as the Acting Inspector General.

Linick and Akard are not the only ones who have had to leave their post mid-term. The frequent change in the position of Inspector general has raised concerns for the Democrats, and even some of the Republican colleagues of the President.

Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said he is worried that the report was discussed internally before being released publically.

"The people briefing the press were the subjects of the IG’s probe, not the report’s authors. This obvious pre-spin of the findings reeks of an attempt to distract and mislead," Engel said.

While Pompeo has been declared non-guilty, the focus now is on the investigation of Linick's abrupt termination from his role as an IG.

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia. A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department.

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia. A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department. The report was concluded by the State Department's Acting Inspector General Diana Shaw. The report investigated Pompeo's actions of declaring a "national emergency" to justify a $8 billion in military sales to the Gulf Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, despite congressional objections. Also read: Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners The Inspector General, who has followed several others in this position, has declared that there was no wrong-doing in Pompeo's decision — a decision the Trump administration wanted to hear. Earlier in May, then-Inspector General Steve Linick was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump while he was investigating Pompeo. Linick was was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who resigned from his post last week after recusing himself from the arms sales investigation. Also read: UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week The investigation then fell on Diana Shaw, who was Stephen's Akard's Deputy, and is now serving as the Acting Inspector General. Linick and Akard are not the only ones who have had to leave their post mid-term. The frequent change in the position of Inspector general has raised concerns for the Democrats, and even some of the Republican colleagues of the President. Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said he is worried that the report was discussed internally before being released publically. "The people briefing the press were the subjects of the IG’s probe, not the report’s authors. This obvious pre-spin of the findings reeks of an attempt to distract and mislead," Engel said. While Pompeo has been declared non-guilty, the focus now is on the investigation of Linick's abrupt termination from his role as an IG.

Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of&nbsp;attempted assassination.

An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations.

Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-did-not-break-law-by-selling-arms-to-saudi-concludes-us-ig-319593">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG</a>

The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including&nbsp;former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens&nbsp;Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts)&nbsp;and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia).

"Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read.

"Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-gcc-call-for-tehran-arms-embargo-extension-is-unrealistic-319423">Also read:&nbsp;Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'</a>

Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared,&nbsp;in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May.

The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the&nbsp;"judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint."

A State Department of thee&nbsp;US has backed Jabri saying,&nbsp;"Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination.

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination. An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations. Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards. Also read: Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts) and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia). "Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read. "Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read. Also read: Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic' Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared, in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May. The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the "judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint." A State Department of thee US has backed Jabri saying, "Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman summoned by US court for attempted assassination

Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil major Aramco profit has plunged 73% in the second quarter of the year. Watch report.

Aramco profit dive: Profits all steeper than expected

State oil giant Saudi Aramco's profit plunged 73% in the second quarter of the year, as a slump in energy demand and prices due to the coronavirus crisis hit sales at the world's biggest oil exporter.

But the company stuck with plans to pay $75 billion in dividends this year and CEO Amin Nasser said global oil demand was recovering.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grounded-mauritius-ship-operator-apologises-for-oil-leak-319226">Grounded Mauritius ship operator apologises for oil leak</a>

All major oil companies have taken a hit in the second quarter as lockdowns to contain the coronavirus limited travel, which reduced oil consumption and sent prices tumbling to levels not seen in nearly two decades.

Aramco, which listed in Riyadh last year in a record $29.4 billion flotation, said the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally had significantly reduced demand for crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.

Nasser told reporters he had seen a partial recovery in the energy market and a pick up in demand as economies gradually open after the easing of coronavirus lockdowns.

"Look at China, their gasoline and diesel demand is almost at pre-COVID 19 levels. We are seeing that Asia is picking up and other markets (too)," he told reporters after announcing the company's quarterly results.

"As countries ease the lockdown, we expect the demand to increase."

Nasser said Aramco was committed to its 2020 dividend.

"We intend to pay the $75 billion, subject to board approval and market conditions," he said.

The group's dividends play a critical role in helping the Saudi government to manage its fiscal deficit.

Aramco reported a 73.4% fall in second-quarter net profit, a steeper drop than analysts had forecast, and said it expected capital expenditure for 2020 to be at the lower end of a $25 billion to $30 billion range.

Net profit fell to 24.6 billion riyals ($6.57 billion) for the quarter to June 30 from 92.6 billion riyals a year earlier.

Analysts had expected net profit of 31.3 billion riyals, according to the mean estimate from three analysts, provided by Refinitiv.

"Aramco figures are healthy compared to other global peers," Mazen al-Sudairi, head of research at Al Rajhi Capital, said. "This was the worst quarter in the modern history of oil industry, and surviving it with healthy figures points to a very positive outlook."

Aramco shares were up about 0.4% in early trade. The group is currently the world's second most valuable publicly traded company after Apple.

Aramco said it will pay a dividend of $18.75 billion for the second quarter of this year, in line with plans for a $75 billion dividend for 2020.

BP earlier this month cut its dividend for the first time in a decade after a record second-quarter loss, while Royal Dutch Shell in April cut its dividend for the first time since World War Two.

Aramco's free cash flow stood at $6.1 billion in the second quarter and $21.1 billion for the first half of 2020, respectively, compared with $20.6 billion and $38.0 billion for the same periods in 2019.

Aramco's gearing ratio was 20.1% at the end of June, mainly reflecting the deferred consideration for the acquisition of Saudi Basic Industries Corp and the consolidation of SABIC’s net debt on to Aramco’s balance sheet.

State oil giant Saudi Aramco's profit plunged 73% in the second quarter of the year, as a slump in energy demand and prices due to the coronavirus crisis hit sales at the world's biggest oil exporter.

State oil giant Saudi Aramco's profit plunged 73% in the second quarter of the year, as a slump in energy demand and prices due to the coronavirus crisis hit sales at the world's biggest oil exporter. But the company stuck with plans to pay $75 billion in dividends this year and CEO Amin Nasser said global oil demand was recovering. Also read | Grounded Mauritius ship operator apologises for oil leak All major oil companies have taken a hit in the second quarter as lockdowns to contain the coronavirus limited travel, which reduced oil consumption and sent prices tumbling to levels not seen in nearly two decades. Aramco, which listed in Riyadh last year in a record $29.4 billion flotation, said the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally had significantly reduced demand for crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products. Nasser told reporters he had seen a partial recovery in the energy market and a pick up in demand as economies gradually open after the easing of coronavirus lockdowns. "Look at China, their gasoline and diesel demand is almost at pre-COVID 19 levels. We are seeing that Asia is picking up and other markets (too)," he told reporters after announcing the company's quarterly results. "As countries ease the lockdown, we expect the demand to increase." Nasser said Aramco was committed to its 2020 dividend. "We intend to pay the $75 billion, subject to board approval and market conditions," he said. The group's dividends play a critical role in helping the Saudi government to manage its fiscal deficit. Aramco reported a 73.4% fall in second-quarter net profit, a steeper drop than analysts had forecast, and said it expected capital expenditure for 2020 to be at the lower end of a $25 billion to $30 billion range. Net profit fell to 24.6 billion riyals ($6.57 billion) for the quarter to June 30 from 92.6 billion riyals a year earlier. Analysts had expected net profit of 31.3 billion riyals, according to the mean estimate from three analysts, provided by Refinitiv. "Aramco figures are healthy compared to other global peers," Mazen al-Sudairi, head of research at Al Rajhi Capital, said. "This was the worst quarter in the modern history of oil industry, and surviving it with healthy figures points to a very positive outlook." Aramco shares were up about 0.4% in early trade. The group is currently the world's second most valuable publicly traded company after Apple. Aramco said it will pay a dividend of $18.75 billion for the second quarter of this year, in line with plans for a $75 billion dividend for 2020. BP earlier this month cut its dividend for the first time in a decade after a record second-quarter loss, while Royal Dutch Shell in April cut its dividend for the first time since World War Two. Aramco's free cash flow stood at $6.1 billion in the second quarter and $21.1 billion for the first half of 2020, respectively, compared with $20.6 billion and $38.0 billion for the same periods in 2019. Aramco's gearing ratio was 20.1% at the end of June, mainly reflecting the deferred consideration for the acquisition of Saudi Basic Industries Corp and the consolidation of SABIC’s net debt on to Aramco’s balance sheet.

Saudi Aramco's profit plunges, sees signs of oil market recovery

Pakistan has recently paid back USD 1 billion to Saudi Arabia, reiterating the fact that Islamabad is gradually losing the support of other Muslim countries.

Citing highly placed sources, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has given back Saudi Arabia USD 1 billion out of a USD 3 billion loan that it secured one and a half year ago to avoid default on international debt obligations after the kingdom decided to reduce its financial support.

The development comes even as Pakistan has been pushing for the foreign ministers` meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since India abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-failed-judicial-system-fails-14-year-old-christian-girl-318946">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's failed judicial system fails 14-year-old Christian girl</a>

In a report published by Dawn, a Pakistan diplomatic source confirmed that Saudi Arabia had shown reluctance to accept Islamabad`s request for an immediate meeting of OIC foreign ministers` on Kashmir.

After Pakistan failed to gather support from the OIC members on Kashmir on May 22, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "The reason is that we have no voice and there is a total division amongst (us). We cannot even come together as a whole on the OIC meeting on Kashmir."

Though Pakistan reportedly made attempts to push its narrative of raising the issue of rising Islamophobia in India in its agenda, Maldives, an ally of India, thwarted the move and said, "Isolated statements by motivated people and disinformation campaigns on social media should not be construed as representative of the feelings of 1.3 billion."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-china-intelligence-sharing-deal-threatens-us-peace-efforts-in-afghanistan-318932">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan-China intelligence-sharing deal threatens US peace efforts in Afghanistan</a>

Maldives Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Thilmeeza Hussain, said that alleging Islamophobia in the context of India would be factually incorrect.

"It would be detrimental to the religious harmony in the South Asian region. Islam has existed in India for centuries and it is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.2 per cent of the country`s population," she said.

While Pakistan is now on the verge of losing its Muslim friends, China is taking full advantage of the situation.

Coming to the so-called rescue of Khan, Beijing has become "time-tested friend" and has given a loan of USD 1 billion to "help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline," The Express Tribune quoted sources in the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying.

Meanwhile, Pakistan`s top economic body has approved its costliest project to date as part of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement, giving the go-ahead for a USD 6.8 billion project to upgrade its railway lines, according to a report in Khaleej Times.

The sanctioning of USD 6.8 billion for the CPEC project is almost equal to Pakistan`s entire development budget for fiscal 2020-21, which is USD 7.9 billion.&nbsp;

Pakistan has recently paid back USD 1 billion to Saudi Arabia, reiterating the fact that Islamabad is gradually losing the support of other Muslim countries. Citing highly placed sources, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has given back Saudi Arabia USD 1 billion out of a USD 3 billion loan that it secured one and a half year ago to avoid default on international debt obligations after the kingdom decided to reduce its financial support.

Pakistan has recently paid back USD 1 billion to Saudi Arabia, reiterating the fact that Islamabad is gradually losing the support of other Muslim countries. Citing highly placed sources, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has given back Saudi Arabia USD 1 billion out of a USD 3 billion loan that it secured one and a half year ago to avoid default on international debt obligations after the kingdom decided to reduce its financial support. The development comes even as Pakistan has been pushing for the foreign ministers` meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since India abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Also read: Pakistan's failed judicial system fails 14-year-old Christian girl In a report published by Dawn, a Pakistan diplomatic source confirmed that Saudi Arabia had shown reluctance to accept Islamabad`s request for an immediate meeting of OIC foreign ministers` on Kashmir. After Pakistan failed to gather support from the OIC members on Kashmir on May 22, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "The reason is that we have no voice and there is a total division amongst (us). We cannot even come together as a whole on the OIC meeting on Kashmir." Though Pakistan reportedly made attempts to push its narrative of raising the issue of rising Islamophobia in India in its agenda, Maldives, an ally of India, thwarted the move and said, "Isolated statements by motivated people and disinformation campaigns on social media should not be construed as representative of the feelings of 1.3 billion." Also read: Pakistan-China intelligence-sharing deal threatens US peace efforts in Afghanistan Maldives Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Thilmeeza Hussain, said that alleging Islamophobia in the context of India would be factually incorrect. "It would be detrimental to the religious harmony in the South Asian region. Islam has existed in India for centuries and it is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.2 per cent of the country`s population," she said. While Pakistan is now on the verge of losing its Muslim friends, China is taking full advantage of the situation. Coming to the so-called rescue of Khan, Beijing has become "time-tested friend" and has given a loan of USD 1 billion to "help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline," The Express Tribune quoted sources in the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying. Meanwhile, Pakistan`s top economic body has approved its costliest project to date as part of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement, giving the go-ahead for a USD 6.8 billion project to upgrade its railway lines, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The sanctioning of USD 6.8 billion for the CPEC project is almost equal to Pakistan`s entire development budget for fiscal 2020-21, which is USD 7.9 billion.

Pakistan forced to pay back Saudi USD 1 billion

Saudi Arabia has made Pakistan repay $1 Billion from the loan it borrowed in 2018. According to reports, China helped Pakistan pay back the money to the Sheikhdom.

China's debt-trap comes to Pakistan's rescue

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble.

This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government made itself a slave of money by two masters: Saudi Arabia, its religious master with oil money and China, the mastermind with deep pockets.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-makes-pakistan-repay-1-billion-318705/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan has borrowed billions of dollars from both these nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-most-expensive-china-aided-project-to-date-318443">Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date</a>

China's debt-trap diplomacy is well-known, but what about Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Islamabad secured a $3 billion loan from Riyadh in October 2018, assuming that they would not be asked to pay back.&nbsp;

The Pakistani PM tried hard to ensure this and even played chauffeur for the Saudi crown prince.&nbsp;

Earlier today, it was announced in Pakistani media that Islamabad has paid back $1 billion.&nbsp;

However, the Pakistani media has not put it correctly, and, in fact, Riyadh has forced it to pay.

This payback was due for a long time and let's just look at what really happened.

Ever since he came to power, Khan has been obsessed with Kashmir. Repeatedly, Khan has allowed this obsession to dominate Pakistan's foreign policy.&nbsp;

In February, Khan consistently pushed Saudi Arabia for the Organisation of Islamic Countries' (OIC) meeting on Kashmir. Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader of OIC and it refused to slam India on Kashmir.&nbsp;

The prime minister went all the way to Malaysia and said: "OIC can't come together on Kashmir, we are divided, we have no voice".&nbsp;

This tone of Imran was not appreciated by Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's message was clear: Domestic political narratives cannot drive foreign policy.&nbsp;

It has been a while since this episode and the world faced the pandemic in between.&nbsp;

But it seems that the Pakistani PM has not moved on and is once again asking Saudis to convene a meeting of Islamic countries on Kashmir.&nbsp;

Recently, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "OIC's leadership should stay away from this attitude of being careful and if they can't do this, then our prime minister will call the meeting".

These are strong words spoken by a country that is surviving on loans from Saudi Arabia.

Another question that remains is how did Pakistan afford to pay back a billion dollars, during a pandemic and when its economy is on a downfall.&nbsp;

The answer is China.

A Pakistani newspaper said, "Pakistan's time-tested friend, China, has immediately come forward and extended $1 billion in loan to help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline."

China's modus operandi is this policy, give with one hand and take away with the other.&nbsp;

And once again China managed to do this.&nbsp;

At least 24 hours before China helped Pakistan with this aid, Pakistan's top economic body approved its costliest project ever: CPEC, a $6.8 billion project to upgrade Pakistan's railway lines.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan's entire developmental budget this financial year was $7.9 billion.

China's time-tested friendship has been a costly affair for Pakistan.

The harsh reality for Pakistan is that its obsession with Kashmir and attempts to please China has impacted its support from the Islamic world.&nbsp;

Imran Khan can drive all he likes, but he can't take the world for a ride.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble. This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally.

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble. This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally. The Imran Khan government made itself a slave of money by two masters: Saudi Arabia, its religious master with oil money and China, the mastermind with deep pockets. Watch | Pakistan has borrowed billions of dollars from both these nations. Also read | Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date China's debt-trap diplomacy is well-known, but what about Saudi Arabia. Islamabad secured a $3 billion loan from Riyadh in October 2018, assuming that they would not be asked to pay back. The Pakistani PM tried hard to ensure this and even played chauffeur for the Saudi crown prince. Earlier today, it was announced in Pakistani media that Islamabad has paid back $1 billion. However, the Pakistani media has not put it correctly, and, in fact, Riyadh has forced it to pay. This payback was due for a long time and let's just look at what really happened. Ever since he came to power, Khan has been obsessed with Kashmir. Repeatedly, Khan has allowed this obsession to dominate Pakistan's foreign policy. In February, Khan consistently pushed Saudi Arabia for the Organisation of Islamic Countries' (OIC) meeting on Kashmir. Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader of OIC and it refused to slam India on Kashmir. The prime minister went all the way to Malaysia and said: "OIC can't come together on Kashmir, we are divided, we have no voice". This tone of Imran was not appreciated by Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's message was clear: Domestic political narratives cannot drive foreign policy. It has been a while since this episode and the world faced the pandemic in between. But it seems that the Pakistani PM has not moved on and is once again asking Saudis to convene a meeting of Islamic countries on Kashmir. Recently, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "OIC's leadership should stay away from this attitude of being careful and if they can't do this, then our prime minister will call the meeting". These are strong words spoken by a country that is surviving on loans from Saudi Arabia. Another question that remains is how did Pakistan afford to pay back a billion dollars, during a pandemic and when its economy is on a downfall. The answer is China. A Pakistani newspaper said, "Pakistan's time-tested friend, China, has immediately come forward and extended $1 billion in loan to help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline." China's modus operandi is this policy, give with one hand and take away with the other. And once again China managed to do this. At least 24 hours before China helped Pakistan with this aid, Pakistan's top economic body approved its costliest project ever: CPEC, a $6.8 billion project to upgrade Pakistan's railway lines. Interestingly, Pakistan's entire developmental budget this financial year was $7.9 billion. China's time-tested friendship has been a costly affair for Pakistan. The harsh reality for Pakistan is that its obsession with Kashmir and attempts to please China has impacted its support from the Islamic world. Imran Khan can drive all he likes, but he can't take the world for a ride.

Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam's holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

Only up to 10,000 Muslims took part in the hajj, a far cry from the 2.5 million who took part in the five-day annual pilgrimage last year.

Masked pilgrims threw pebbles at a wall symbolising Satan in Mina, close to the holy city of Mecca, on the final day of hajj, state media reported.

Instead of gathering the pebbles themselves as in past years, they were handed them bagged and sterilised by hajj authorities, to protect against the novel coronavirus.

Pilgrims returned to the Grand Mosque in Mecca later Sunday to perform a final "tawaf", or circling of the Kaaba -- a cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray.&nbsp;

Holding the ritual in the shadow of the pandemic required "double efforts" by Saudi authorities, King Salman said on Friday after being discharged from hospital following surgery to remove his gall bladder.

"The hajj this year was restricted to a very limited number of people from multiple nationalities, ensuring the ritual was completed despite the difficult circumstances," said the kingdom's 84-year-old ruler.

Health authorities said no coronavirus cases were reported at the holy sites during the hajj.

The pilgrims, who were required to observe social distancing and subjected to regular temperature checks, will go into mandatory quarantine after the hajj, authorities said.&nbsp;

The ritual, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

But local media said up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom were participating this year.

The hajj ministry had initially said around 1,000 pilgrims would be allowed.

The hajj typically costs thousands of dollars for pilgrims, who often save for years as well as endure long waiting lists for a chance to attend.

But this year, the Saudi government is covering the expenses of all pilgrims, providing them with meals, hotel accommodation and health care, worshippers said.

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam's holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam's holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Only up to 10,000 Muslims took part in the hajj, a far cry from the 2.5 million who took part in the five-day annual pilgrimage last year. Masked pilgrims threw pebbles at a wall symbolising Satan in Mina, close to the holy city of Mecca, on the final day of hajj, state media reported. Instead of gathering the pebbles themselves as in past years, they were handed them bagged and sterilised by hajj authorities, to protect against the novel coronavirus. Pilgrims returned to the Grand Mosque in Mecca later Sunday to perform a final "tawaf", or circling of the Kaaba -- a cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. Holding the ritual in the shadow of the pandemic required "double efforts" by Saudi authorities, King Salman said on Friday after being discharged from hospital following surgery to remove his gall bladder. "The hajj this year was restricted to a very limited number of people from multiple nationalities, ensuring the ritual was completed despite the difficult circumstances," said the kingdom's 84-year-old ruler. Health authorities said no coronavirus cases were reported at the holy sites during the hajj. The pilgrims, who were required to observe social distancing and subjected to regular temperature checks, will go into mandatory quarantine after the hajj, authorities said. The ritual, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world's largest religious gatherings. But local media said up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom were participating this year. The hajj ministry had initially said around 1,000 pilgrims would be allowed. The hajj typically costs thousands of dollars for pilgrims, who often save for years as well as endure long waiting lists for a chance to attend. But this year, the Saudi government is covering the expenses of all pilgrims, providing them with meals, hotel accommodation and health care, worshippers said.

Saudi Arabia concludes downsized hajj amid coronavirus pandemic

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic. Muslims gather at a grand mosque for the pilgrimage. Watch this video to know more.

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic

Saudi Arabia’s holy Kaaba in Mecca was adorned on Wednesday (July 29) with a new cover, also known as ‘Kiswa’, marking the beginning of the annual Haj amid tight restrictions and reduced pilgrim numbers due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s Kaaba adorned with new cover as annual Haj commences

Saudi Arabia usually attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world, which makes the Hajj an important source of income for the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to see just 10,000 Hajj pilgrims this year

Saudi Arabia doesn't have income tax. But, with its economy set to shrink by 6.8% - the Saudi government is considering all options to bolster its finances. This includes bringing in the income tax

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia to introduce income tax

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty.

In Saudi Arabia, the government is considering all options to bolster its finances. One of these options include introducing income tax as&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is headed towards its deepest contraction in 30 years. It is set to shrink 6.8 per cent in 2020.

Instead of helping the citizens in this grave situation, Riyadh may ask its citizens to pay income tax, according to reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/healthcare-and-education-could-be-privatized-in-saudi-arabia-315301">Also watch: Healthcare and education could be privatized in Saudi Arabia</a>

The Saudis do not pay income tax. Expats and corporates pay a 20 per cent income tax, and there is a flat 20 per cent federal tax for all.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-to-introduce-income-tax-315553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The world's biggest oil producing nation uses petroleum revenue to provide for its nationals. However, as the crude prices are sliding and exports are down 65 per cent because of coronavirus, there is a possibility that income tax may be introduced in the country.

Tax-free countries

United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens also do not pay any taxes. The country is rich in natural resources, so it exempts its citizens from paying taxes. Corporate tax is levied only on foreign banks and oil companies.

Qata, Kuwait and Oman, too, do not charge personal income tax for individuals. In the Caribbean country of Bahamas, even corporates do not have to pay taxes. However, Panama is the one which offers the best deal as it does not even tax offshore companies.&nbsp;

High tax-rate countries

Sweden, on the other hand, has the world's highest income tax rate of 57.1 per cent. Potugal follows closely with&nbsp;a tax rate of 56.5 per cent, and Japan ranks third with a tax rate of&nbsp;55.95 per cent.&nbsp;

Denmark and Austria&nbsp;too join the list with 55.8 per cent and 55 per cent tax rates, respectively.&nbsp;India has a tax rate of 30 per cent, which seems considerate compared to these countries, but is still very high.

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty.

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty. In Saudi Arabia, the government is considering all options to bolster its finances. One of these options include introducing income tax as Saudi Arabia is headed towards its deepest contraction in 30 years. It is set to shrink 6.8 per cent in 2020. Instead of helping the citizens in this grave situation, Riyadh may ask its citizens to pay income tax, according to reports. Also watch: Healthcare and education could be privatized in Saudi Arabia The Saudis do not pay income tax. Expats and corporates pay a 20 per cent income tax, and there is a flat 20 per cent federal tax for all. The world's biggest oil producing nation uses petroleum revenue to provide for its nationals. However, as the crude prices are sliding and exports are down 65 per cent because of coronavirus, there is a possibility that income tax may be introduced in the country. Tax-free countries United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens also do not pay any taxes. The country is rich in natural resources, so it exempts its citizens from paying taxes. Corporate tax is levied only on foreign banks and oil companies. Qata, Kuwait and Oman, too, do not charge personal income tax for individuals. In the Caribbean country of Bahamas, even corporates do not have to pay taxes. However, Panama is the one which offers the best deal as it does not even tax offshore companies. High tax-rate countries Sweden, on the other hand, has the world's highest income tax rate of 57.1 per cent. Potugal follows closely with a tax rate of 56.5 per cent, and Japan ranks third with a tax rate of 55.95 per cent. Denmark and Austria too join the list with 55.8 per cent and 55 per cent tax rates, respectively. India has a tax rate of 30 per cent, which seems considerate compared to these countries, but is still very high.

Saudi Arabia may introduce income tax as economy shrinks due to coronavirus

Saudi Arabia is looking to sell assets in sectors that were not previously considered for privatization. These sectors would include healthcare and education.

Healthcare and education could be privatized in Saudi Arabia

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman has waged a twitter war against former Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef.

Gravitas: Saudi Game of Thrones: MBS wages a twitter war

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz has been admitted to hospital, suffering from inflammation of the gall bladder,

84-year-old Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz hospitalised

Muhammad Waqas had not even thought that a viral post could change his life forever.

Muhammad, who came to Saudi Arabia four years ago and worked as a carpenter, always wanted to be a model, but didn't expect that he will succeed in this glamorous profession.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-consular-access-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-in-pakistan-313675#:~:text=India%20has%20got%20consular%20access,and%20wife%20to%20meet%20him.">India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan</a>

"One day I saw my friend [Faisal] editing the photos of a photo session. I told him that since childhood I have wanted to work in this field but in Pakistan, I did not get the chance, so my friend suggested and took a picture of me and sent it to the relevant person,” he told local media channels, reports Gulf News.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VEL x وقّاس<a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadWaqas1_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MuhammadWaqas1_</a> 
Photographer insta: codyryan <a href="https://t.co/vvkbbfxF0I">pic.twitter.com/vvkbbfxF0I</a>
— vel.saudi (@SaudiVel) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaudiVel/status/1282692586369581064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
thank you all , wait for my new pic coming soon , شكرا لكم جميعا احبكم🙏🥰🥰😍 <a href="https://t.co/m82ahArPlY">https://t.co/m82ahArPlY</a>
— Waqas (@MuhammadWaqas1_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadWaqas1_/status/1282440527993020417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewProfilePic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewProfilePic</a> 
Sponsored by:<a href="https://twitter.com/SaudiVel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Saudivel</a> 
Insta: Vel.saudi ✨✨ <a href="https://t.co/95zD4u2FmC">pic.twitter.com/95zD4u2FmC</a>
— Waqas (@MuhammadWaqas1_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadWaqas1_/status/1282823878226718725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-records-2145-new-cases-total-tally-reaches-257914-313688">Pakistan's records 2,145 new cases; total tally reaches 257,914</a>

A tweet by Muhammad's friend asking work for him in the modeling industry went viral. The post got over 30,000 likes and immediately Muhammad started getting modeling opportunities.&nbsp;

Muhammad later posted his pictures which showed him modeling for Saudi Arabia-based vest brand.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Nearly four years ago, a Pakistan-based tea seller's images also went viral, and his blue green eyes garnered thousands of likes.&nbsp;

Arshan Khan, who was 18 during that time, is now pursuing a career in advertising and modeling.&nbsp;

Muhammad Waqas had not even thought that a viral post could change his life forever. Muhammad, who came to Saudi Arabia four years ago and worked as a carpenter, always wanted to be a model, but didn't expect that he will succeed in this glamorous profession.

Muhammad Waqas had not even thought that a viral post could change his life forever. Muhammad, who came to Saudi Arabia four years ago and worked as a carpenter, always wanted to be a model, but didn't expect that he will succeed in this glamorous profession. Also read | India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan "One day I saw my friend [Faisal] editing the photos of a photo session. I told him that since childhood I have wanted to work in this field but in Pakistan, I did not get the chance, so my friend suggested and took a picture of me and sent it to the relevant person,” he told local media channels, reports Gulf News. VEL x وقّاس@MuhammadWaqas1_ Photographer insta: codyryan pic.twitter.com/vvkbbfxF0I — vel.saudi (@SaudiVel) July 13, 2020 × thank you all , wait for my new pic coming soon , شكرا لكم جميعا احبكم🙏🥰🥰😍 https://t.co/m82ahArPlY — Waqas (@MuhammadWaqas1_) July 12, 2020 × #NewProfilePic Sponsored by:@Saudivel Insta: Vel.saudi ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/95zD4u2FmC — Waqas (@MuhammadWaqas1_) July 13, 2020 × Also read | Pakistan's records 2,145 new cases; total tally reaches 257,914 A tweet by Muhammad's friend asking work for him in the modeling industry went viral. The post got over 30,000 likes and immediately Muhammad started getting modeling opportunities. Muhammad later posted his pictures which showed him modeling for Saudi Arabia-based vest brand. Nearly four years ago, a Pakistan-based tea seller's images also went viral, and his blue green eyes garnered thousands of likes. Arshan Khan, who was 18 during that time, is now pursuing a career in advertising and modeling.

A carpenter from Pakistan becomes model in Saudi Arabia

saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia, News on Saudi Arabia, stories on Saudi Arabia, articles on Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia stories at Wion, Saudi Arabia news, Saudi Arabia latest news

saudi arabia