Islamabad – The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council convened a key meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation under Saudi Vision 2030.

The Saudi delegation, led by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih and Ambassador Prince Mansour bin Khalid Al-Saud, included senior officials and business leaders, while Pakistan was represented by federal ministers, government representatives, and top private-sector executives.

Officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, delivered detailed briefings on investment opportunities in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including energy, mining, agriculture, and information technology.

The Saudi delegation is on a five-day visit aimed at enhancing trade and finalizing $2 billion in initial investments. The visit follows a similar trip last October by representatives from Saudi companies in the agriculture, mining, tourism, industry, and manpower sectors, which resulted in 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion between the two countries.

PM Shehbaz Praises ‘Unshakeable’ Pakistan–Saudi Friendship

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation at the PM House, reaffirming the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.

“We are gathered here like a family,” said the prime minister. “I first visited Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s. My recent visit to Riyadh was unprecedented in terms of warmth and significance.”

He commended Saudi Arabia’s consistent support to Pakistan in times of crisis, calling the relationship “unshakeable and based on enduring commitment.” He added, “every Muslim is ready to sacrifice life for the protection of the holy sites. Pakistan will always be ready to protect Makkah and Madinah.”

PM Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan’s partnership with Saudi Arabia is transitioning from traditional defense ties to strategic economic cooperation, emphasizing joint progress in trade, investment, research, and technology.

He also lauded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visionary leadership, describing it as a model for modernization and economic transformation.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al-Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation. “Our engagement reflects a shared desire to explore projects that align with both Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s reform agenda,” he said.

Pakistan–Saudi Partnership Anchored in Vision 2030

The visit follows Riyadh’s $1.2 billion deferred oil facility to Pakistan, with $100 million disbursed monthly until February 2026. Islamabad is also pursuing a rollover of $5 billion in Saudi loans maturing between 2025 and 2026 at concessional rates.

The developments underscore Riyadh’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic revival and institutional stability under the SIFC framework, which offers a secure and transparent platform for foreign investment.

Also see: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Seal Historic Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, Vowing Joint Deterrence

The visit represents a strategic evolution in Pakistan–Saudi relations, shifting from traditional defense cooperation to a comprehensive economic and investment alliance. Anchored in the Strategic Mutual Defense and Cooperation Framework, the partnership emphasizes mutual security, sustainable growth, and regional stability across the Muslim world.