Islamabad: Pakistani and Saudi officials discussed security challenges and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties during the high-level meetings in Islamabad.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Naif bin Abdulaziz visited Islamabad on Monday where he met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan and reaffirmed close ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
PM Imran Khan condemned the Houthi militia attacks targeted towards Saudi Arabia and “reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He also thanked the Kingdom for its “steadfast support to Pakistan, especially in challenging times” and the Saudi leadership for the recent financial support extended to Pakistan.
Prisoner repatriation
Saudi interior minister and Pakistani premier also discussed progress on the treaty to repatriate over 2,000 Pakistanis jailed in the kingdom which was signed during PM Khan’s visit to KSA in May 2021. PM Khan hoped that a large number of Pakistani inmates would soon come back home under the framework following the conclusion of the agreement on the transfer of offenders between the two countries.
The Saudi delegation also met President Dr Arif Alvi during which they reviewed “shared concerns” in the region, particularly in Afghanistan. The president expressed hope that the Saudi government would expedite the process of repatriation especially for those Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences.
Contribution of Pakistani expats
The Saudi minister acknowledged the “positive contribution of Pakistanis in the development of the Kingdom” and reiterated his ministry’s resolve to work closely with the Pakistani officials to facilitate work and travel. PM Khan emphasized the need for further strengthening people-to-people linkages.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signed two agreements to create job opportunities for the skilled workforce and improve job protection and security of Pakistani nationals in KSA. Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.5 million Pakistanis — the largest number of expats who contribute extensively to the country’s economy through remittances.
Key meetings in Islamabad
Saudi interior minister spent a busy day in Islamabad where he met the Pakistani president, prime minister, interior minister and the army chief. Prince Abdulaziz and his Pakistani counterpart Sheikh Rashid agreed to strengthen ties between the two ministries to address various issues, including security challenges. The Saudi minister also called on Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa late on Monday to discuss “regional security, the current situation in Afghanistan and bilateral defence relations.”
