Zubair Qureshi
Chairman of the Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has paid rich tributes to the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for introducing remarkable reforms in the Saudi society in recent years under a vast economic transformation plan, the Vision 2030.
The Senate chairman was addressing as chief guest a reception hosted by Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki of Saudi Arabia to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day. The Saudi reception as always, was a well-attended event attracting the Pakistani leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, civil and military officers, religious scholars and a large number of the Arab nationals who praised the Kingdom’s leadership for realigning Middle East dynamics and opening up the Saudi economy and society.
National anthems of the two countries were played and a cake was also cut on the occasion to celebrate the day. The highlight of the evening, however, was the traditional “sword-dancing” which is considered a way for the men to display their weaponry and show their heroic spirit.
The Senate Chairman said today we see the Saudi economy diversifying, away from oil, and opening to business and tourism amid rising regional competition. Saudi Arabia is not just addressing the future, it is actively shaping it.
“Dialogue and mutual respect are the bedrock on which lasting peace is made,” he said. “We are confident that Saudi efforts will open doors to various opportunities, including trade, the sharing of initiatives, and collaboration between leaders and their followers, not only for the region but for the entire world.”
This year, Pakistan received $2 billion in financial support from Saudi Arabia in July, a day before the International Monetary Fund’s board gave the final approval for a $3 billion bailout deal. Saudi Arabia’s continued economic and investment support is key for Pakistan, as economic stabilization is a major challenge, with the $350 billion economy on a narrow recovery path after the IMF bailout averted a sovereign debt default. Economic reforms have already fueled historic inflation and interest rates.
“Pakistan is grateful for all the support extended by the Kingdom in the difficult times,” Sanjrani said, adding that Pakistan had also provided “unwavering and never-ending” support to the Kingdom on the diplomatic and security fronts. Earlier in his welcome address, the Saudi envoy Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki held that the Kingdom valued its relations with Pakistan. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies and share strong economic, security and cultural ties. Saudi Arabia is also home to more than two million Pakistani expatriates, making it the largest contributor to remittance inflows,” he said. He called on Pakistan and the world to “support all development plans and initiatives taken for the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom.” “At the forefront of these successful initiatives is the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” the ambassador said, “which represents a new stage leading the country to a bright future.”
