Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar highlights significant developments in Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia, particularly in terms of investment and economic collaboration.
During a press conference following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Saudi Arabia,the information minister said that numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries earlier this year have now been actualized, with Saudi investments contributing to Pakistan's economic growth and job creation.
He informed about the outcomes of the trip, including high-level meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The prime minister's visit, which included attending the One Water Summit, was portrayed as a major diplomatic success, signaling strengthened bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Tarar pointed out that in the last six months, PM Shehbaz had met the Saudi Crown Prince five times, a testament to the growing cooperation between the two nations.
The minister said that the MoUs signed during these engagements are now yielding tangible results. For instance, the opening of Aramco petrol stations in various Pakistani cities is a direct outcome of the significant Saudi investments, and the launch of the Al-Baik food chain in Pakistan is in the pipeline.
The minister referenced the satisfaction expressed by Saudi leadership in a recent meeting, particularly noting the agreement to deepen cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mines and minerals, and IT skills.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s statement—"Pakistanis are our brothers and sisters, and there is no limit for investment in Pakistan"—was highlighted as an endorsement of the strong and growing ties between the two nations.
Tarar also credited PM Shehbaz Sharif for revitalizing Pakistan's economy, citing impressive economic indicators such as the stock market surpassing 100,000 points, the interest rate and KIBOR standing at 15% and 13%, respectively, and inflation dropping to 4.8%, breaking previous records.
He contrasted this progress with the economic challenges faced during the tenure of the previous government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which, according to Tarar, damaged Pakistan's economy and strained relations with friendly countries.
The information minister said that Pak-Saudi relations were on an upward trajectory, with bilateral ties growing stronger each day.
