Following the historic defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, relations between the two countries have become further warmer and closer. A recent high-level Saudi trade delegation’s visit to Pakistan is part of this strengthening relationship, aimed at further solidifying trade and investment ties between the two brotherly nations. The 15-member high-level Saudi trade delegation, led by the Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council, Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al Saud, visited Pakistan to enhance bilateral trade relations, joint ventures, and increase Saudi investment in the country.
The delegation met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and senior officials of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Islamabad. During their visits to Karachi and Lahore, they also met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where discussions were held on trade, investment, Saudi Vision 2030, and cooperation in various sectors aligned with Pakistan’s economic development agenda.
During the delegation’s visit to Karachi, accompanied by the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, a significant event was held in their honor at the Chief Minister House by CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah. The event was attended by provincial ministers, senior bureaucrats, and well-known businessmen. I was also invited to this ceremony where the Sindh government gave a detailed presentation on opportunities for Saudi investment in the province. On this occasion, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed the commitment to long-term economic cooperation and invited Saudi investors to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, minerals, mining, infrastructure, energy, and food security. During the event, an agreement was signed between K-Electric and the Saudi delegation, under which Saudi investors agreed to purchase 51% shares of K-Electric, valued at 1.77 billion USD.
In honor of the Saudi trade delegation, a grand dinner was hosted at a local hotel by renowned businessman and former Chairman of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Arif Habib, attended by prominent businessmen, bank presidents, and prominent figures from various sectors. I also participated in this event. On this occasion, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki introduced me to Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al Saud and other members of the delegation, expressing kind words about me.
I have had a long-standing relationship with the Saudi Ambassador, and I meet him whenever I visit Islamabad. Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki has been serving as Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Pakistan for the past 8 years and enjoys close ties with Pakistan’s political and military leadership. He has a deep affection for Pakistan and its people, and his personal efforts have played a crucial role in strengthening Saudi-Pak ties. Today, the strong relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia owes much to his tireless efforts.
Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, who is considered very close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, played a key role in 2018 in securing a $6 billion package for Pakistan from Saudi Arabia and facilitating oil purchases on deferred payments.
It is encouraging that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir are scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on a three-day official tour starting October 26. During this visit, they are expected to meet with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This visit is considered highly significant, as it will be the first official visit by Pakistan’s top political and military leadership following the historic defense agreement signed in Riyadh on September 17 in the presence of both countries’ leaders and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Reports suggest that important announcements and the likely confirmation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan may be made during this visit.
The Saudi trade delegation’s visit marks a significant step forward. It will not only strengthen defense and economic ties between the two nations but also play a vital role in Pakistan’s economic development with Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki’s personal efforts being a cornerstone of this progress. The Government of Pakistan should acknowledge the ambassador’s exceptional contributions by conferring upon him the highest civil award, similar to the honors bestowed upon dignitaries of other nations. This would not only encourage Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki but also send a strong message that the Pakistani nation never forgets the contributions of its well-wishers.
