Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has invited Saudi citizens to visit Punjab’s tourist destinations, highlighting the province’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, hospitality and culinary traditions. She also called for stronger economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on investment and agricultural exports.
Maryam Nawaz made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajaa Al-Buqami. During the meeting, she conveyed her best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Crown Prince, reaffirming Pakistan’s close ties with the Kingdom.
The discussions covered plans to organise a roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab. Both sides also explored opportunities to expand trade and strengthen economic collaboration across several sectors.
Punjab aims to generate more than Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, kinnow, potatoes and shrimp. The proposed target reflects the provincial government’s interest in expanding agricultural and livestock exports while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.
Maryam Nawaz noted that Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, sending approximately $9.8 billion to the country. She emphasised that the longstanding economic partnership between the two countries could deliver further benefits through increased trade, investment and business cooperation.
The chief minister also strongly condemned attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, as well as attacks on Saudi cities. She said the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia remained important to Pakistan and stressed that the country fully supported the Kingdom’s right to defend itself.
Referring to the mutual security commitment between the two countries, Maryam Nawaz said cooperation in economic affairs could also strengthen their collective security. She maintained that shared economic strength could contribute to stability and reinforce bilateral ties.
Dr Rajaa Al-Buqami appreciated the deep-rooted brotherly and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He expressed a commitment to further strengthening cooperation across various sectors and thanked the Pakistani government, armed forces and people for their continued support for the Kingdom.
The Saudi ambassador also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support for measures aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, stability and territorial integrity.
Highlighting Punjab’s tourism potential, the ambassador said the province’s heritage, ranging from Mughal-era monuments to its living cultural traditions, offered considerable appeal to visitors. He also praised Lahore’s hospitality, food and welcoming atmosphere, noting that the city’s reputation extended beyond Pakistan.
The meeting underscored the two sides’ shared interest in promoting tourism, attracting investment, increasing exports and deepening economic and strategic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
