ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were among the world leaders who attended the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha earlier this week. Both the leaders met on the sidelines of the gathering. The Saudi crown prince, who also holds the portfolio of prime minister, told his Pakistani counterpart that he was ready to welcome him in Riyadh in two days' time.

It raised eyebrows as to what was the need for Prime Minister Shehbaz to travel to Saudi Arabia when he had already met MBS in Doha. At the time, no one, except those who are at the helm — both in Riyadh and Islamabad — knew what was in store. Two days later, there was another surprise.

When the prime minister's plane entered the Saudi airspace, it was escorted by Saudi Air Force F-15 jets. Saudi

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