Saudi Crown Prince Awarded Pakistan’s Highest Civilian Honor After Signing Deals Worth $20 Billion

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was awarded Pakistan’s highest honor a day after signing bilateral investment deals worth $20 billion. MBS, as he is known, met with President Arif Alvi in Islamabad where he received the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) at a ceremony. The anticipated influx of Saudi money comes as Pakistan’s economy is faltering, hampered primarily by stagnant growth. The crown prince also was slated to hold talks with the nation’s powerful army chief, before heading off to India and China. The goal of the crown prince’s trip is to advance his ambitious Vision 2030 economic plan to diversify the oil-reliant Saudi economy.