ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, has met with the Governor of Southwestern Balochistan province, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, in Islamabad and discussed the strengthening of bilateral ties and regional developments.
The meeting focused on the strong, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as on regional economic and political developments and other matters of mutual interest, the governor’s office said on Thursday.
During the meeting, Governor Mandokhail highlighted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stating that “history stands witness to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Pakistan in times of need.”
The meeting is viewed as part of a growing trend of Saudi Arabia strengthening ties with Pakistan’s provincial governments, particularly in areas of investment, connectivity, and strategic regional cooperation.
Mandokhail, for his part, reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties. “History bears witness to Saudi Arabia’s special support for Pakistan during every difficult time,” he said, according to the statement.
“Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki appreciated Governor Mandokhail’s personal efforts in facilitating direct travel from Quetta to Saudi Arabia for the people of Balochistan,” the governor’s office said.
It is pertinent to mention that in June 2025, 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.
