ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi says that Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in times of both war and peace.
Talking to Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malki in Islamabad on Saturday, he expressed gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Ambassador for their sincere, brotherly, and effective role during Pakistan-India tensions, Radio Pakistan reported.
Naqvi also briefed the Saudi envoy on Pakistan’s ongoing crackdown against organised groups involved in begging abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
He reaffirmed that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against the “begging mafia” to protect Pakistan’s image and citizens working in the Kingdom.
Ambassador Al-Malki, while appreciating the Interior Minister’s efforts, said that Saudi Arabia regards Pakistan as a brotherly and friendly nation.
He emphasised that Riyadh attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Islamabad and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in multiple sectors.
It is pertinent to mention that in June this year, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. During the trip, he held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed a range of issues, including political, trade, and investment ties, the military standoff with India, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In recent months, the two nations have signed several agreements focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Saudi Arabia has pledged a $5 billion investment package to help stabilise Pakistan’s economy, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in April 2024.
Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy.
