Pakistan halts Sudan arms deal

Pakistan has put a $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan on hold after Saudi Arabia requested its termination and withdrew financing. This decision by Saudi Arabia signals a shift in its strategy regarding proxy wars in Africa, where it has backed Sudan's army, while the United Arab Emirates has been accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and is a flashpoint for competing foreign interests. The move also jeopardizes a separate $4 billion deal with the Libyan National Army, as Saudi Arabia re-evaluates its involvement in the region. Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia has deepened recently, with Saudi Arabia being a critical source of loans for Pakistan's economy.