Saudi Arabia’s security is ‘responsibility and duty,’ says Pakistani president

Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh meets Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. (SPA)
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Updated 25 December 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s security is ‘responsibility and duty,’ says Pakistani president

  • Al-Asheikh praised the distinguished relations and strong ties between the Kingdom and Pakistan at all levels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi has stressed that the people of Pakistan fully believe that the security of Saudi Arabia is their responsibility and duty, noting that Pakistan will never hesitate to fulfill this responsibility whenever it is needed.

His comments came during a meeting with Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad on Friday.

During the meeting, Alvi valued the sincere stances and great support to Pakistan offered by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and their solidarity with Pakistan in all issues that concern it.

Al-Asheikh and his delegation visited Pakistan and met with a number of high-ranking Pakistani officials, including National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.

Alvi praised the huge developmental transformations in the Kingdom in light of the Vision 2030 reform plan, pointing out that the crown prince has a sharp vision for the future, expressing his admiration for the establishment of the city of NEOM and the other unique gigaprojects, wishing the Kingdom more prosperity, development and progress.

He noted the great role played by the Kingdom to help achieve security and stability for the Afghan people, and find solutions for the situation in Afghanistan, stressing that the security of the country is essential for the stability of the region and the whole world.

He also praised the huge efforts made by the crown prince to hold the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which was called by the Kingdom and hosted by Pakistan to discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Alvi praised the Kingdom for all that it contributes to improving the situation in the Islamic world.

Alvi stressed the importance of bilateral work and cooperation at the legislative level between the Shoura Council and the National Assembly of Pakistan, noting that this visit will contribute to achieving the joint interests of the two countries.

Al-Asheikh praised the distinguished relations and strong ties between the Kingdom and Pakistan at all levels, stressing that these relations have the full support of the leaderships of both countries.

He referred to the growing parliamentary cooperation between the Shoura Council and the Pakistani Parliament, stressing that these meetings will contribute to deepening cooperation between the two countries in the best interest and welfare of their peoples.

The meeting tackled a number of issues of common concern between the Kingdom and Pakistan, and reviewed the economic, investment, and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries and ways to strengthen them to boost the Saudi–Pakistani partnership.


Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

Updated 24 January 2026
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Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

  • A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events

JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.

The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.

According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.

• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”

Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.

“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”

The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.

Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.