Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz termed Pakistan’s agreement with Saudi Arabia as both “spiritual and an honor” during a ceremony in Lahore held in honour of a special delegation from the Pakistan-Saudi Business Council.
She emphasised that relations between the two nations go beyond politics and economics, rooted instead in shared faith and brotherhood.
Pakistan–Saudi relations strengthened
Addressing the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz warmly welcomed the visiting delegation in Arabic and expressed gratitude for their visit to Punjab. She said hosting guests from Saudi Arabia, her “second home,” was a matter of pride for Pakistan.
The chief minister noted that Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is “not only political and economic but also spiritual and eternal.” She recalled her meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during her visit to Saudi Arabia in Ramadan, praising his leadership and vision for propelling the Kingdom toward remarkable progress.
Maryam Nawaz further said her father, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia, adding that during General Musharraf’s regime, her family lived in Jeddah for seven years — a city she now knows as well as Lahore.
Warm welcome for Saudi delegation
Maryam Nawaz extended a special welcome to the head of the Saudi delegation, His Highness Prince Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Saad Al Saud, describing him as “a best friend of Pakistan and guardian of our shared dreams.”
She stated that the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia and the signing of new cooperation agreements have strengthened bilateral trust. “We are grateful for the recent agreement with Saudi Arabia, which reflects our deep and mutual relations. Protecting the Two Holy Mosques is a spiritual duty and honor for every Pakistani,” she said.
The chief minister added that Punjab is looking forward to enhancing trade and investment cooperation with Saudi partners across multiple sectors.
Saudi delegation shows interest in investment
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Saad Al Saud said Saudi business entities are eager to invest in Pakistan — particularly in Punjab — in sectors such as dairy, livestock, and meat processing.
He added that Saudi companies also plan to explore opportunities in tourism, housing, minerals, semiconductors, airports, and pharmaceuticals. “We have modern technology to build houses at a low cost and in a timely manner and wish to see Pakistani businesses benefit from it,” the prince stated.
He revealed that a plan to construct one million houses in Punjab is under consideration and expressed interest in collaborating in the IT and healthcare sectors as well. Prince Mansoor also thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her hospitality and warm reception.
