By Naveed Miraj
When leaders with a sense of history and the ability to think innovatively and translate their visions into actions emerge on the scene, they are met with skepticism. If such leadership appears in countries not part of the West, the latter finds it difficult to look at them without its orientalist lens.
Aspersions are cast on the credibility of such leadership by employing different tactics to stop them from bringing change. This exposes the very duplicity prevalent in western societies that otherwise never get tired of blowing the trumpet of equality, justice, and fairness.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud – colloquially known by his initials MBS – is nowadays the latest favourite subject for the western media whenever they want to go about the policy of ‘negative press’. Yet, it remains a fact that MBS is quickly emerging as a reformer for the Saudi state and society. KSA and its rulers hold significant influence over the Muslim community, which has led to Muslims all over the globe tying expectations to MBS that he can lead the revival of the glorious past of Islam. His vision centres around modernising the Muslim world, placing his country on the path of economic remodelling and creating an environment that counters the regressive elements.
As they find no reason to criticise MBS over his policies for peace and development, the western world time–and–again resorts to absurd arguments and what could even be described as fantasy tales to condemn his ascension to the seat of Crown Prince. But, while doing so, they forget that MBS has proven himself worthy of this coveted seat.
This, in fact, is a settled and internal matter of the Kingdom which was decided on by the incumbent King keeping in view the succession rule change institutionalised back in 1992 under which the King can appoint or dismiss his heir based on suitability rather than seniority. Hence, the proponents of meritocracy must respect what they are always preaching.
The fact of the matter is that when a rightful, pragmatic and courageous leader takes charge, good things happen, and society changes for the better. The same is being currently witnessed in the KSA under the current leadership.
The 36-year-old Crown Prince, under his Saudi Vision 2030, aims to diversify the country’s economy by building additional revenue streams in the areas of energy, tourism, sports, entertainment and international trade – among others. To achieve this goal, MBS has envisioned game-changing projects that can deliver desired results in the given time frame.
This includes the megaproject of Neom, which involves turning a desert expanse – as large as Belgium – into a high-tech city region. Starting with a budget of $500 billion, MBS bills Neom as a showpiece that will transform Saudi Arabia’s economy and serve as a test bed for technologies that could revolutionise daily life. Apart from multiple renewable energy initiatives and King Salman’s Park project in Riyadh, the inclusion of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) facelift in Vision 2030, which is budgeted at a whopping $23 billion and will be completed within ten years, has positively magnified the image of the Crown Prince in the Muslim community.
Opening up Saudi Arabia to the entertainment industry – a part of MBS’s modernisation plans – is also bearing fruit and contributing millions of dollars to the Saudi economy. It is believed that the move will help the KSA harness the talent of young Saudi artists and promote its creative arts industry.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Saudi leaders have always been at the forefront of helping those in distress. The Middle East Green Initiative of MBS also indicates that his vision is not only limited to within the kingdom but goes beyond borders to safeguard future generations.
In a nutshell, instead of spreading negativity, it is better to appreciate those doing something different to bring a positive change, even if they do not belong to the same religion, race or civilization as ourselves. MBS should also be seen through the same vantage point.
The people of Pakistan, who always accord the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques with great respect, are glad at the progressive policies being brought about by the current Saudi leadership and they desire that both the fraternal nations work together to transform their strong bond into a win-win economic partnership which serves the best interests of their people.
