ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has handed over 100 tons of dates to Pakistan’s new administration for distribution among needy people across the country, said the kingdom’s envoy in Islamabad on Thursday.
As an annual ritual, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Agency (KSRelief) shares tons of dates with Pakistani authorities to help people.
The kingdom is one of the biggest producers of dates in the world and accounts for nearly 17 percent of the overall global yield of the fruit.
In a ceremony held in Islamabad, Saudi ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and director KSRelief Dr. Khalid M. Al-Othmani handed over the consignment to officials of the Pakistani government.
“It is my pleasure to hand over this gift of 100 tons of dates to the brotherly country,” Al-Malki told Arab News on the sideline of the event.
He added the dates were distributed by KSRelief, saying the Saudi aid agency was always in the forefront of providing services to humanity.
“On this occasion, I would like to ensure our Pakistani brothers about the firm commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to always stand by their country and take our brotherly relations to new heights,” Al-Malki continued.
Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki addresses a ceremony to hand over 100 tons of dates to officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 21, 2022. (AN Photo)
Pakistan is the fifth largest recipient of assistance from KSRelief.
Speaking to Arab News, the aid agency's director said: “We just concluded distribution of thousands of Ramadan food packages across Pakistan. Now, we are handing over this year’s gift of dates while many more humanitarian relief projects are in the pipeline as well.”
Brigadier (r) Hammad Amjad, director general at the cabinet division, thanked the Saudi authorities for the donation.
“We are grateful to the Saudi government for this kind gesture which is now a regular feature and goes a long way in strengthening brotherly relations between the two countries,” he said.
“These dates will be distributed in all provinces, regions and Islamabad Capital Territory, as per the approved formula of distribution decided in the National Finance Commission award,” Amjad said.
