ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interim religious affairs minister, Aneeq Ahmed, congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership on the 93rd National Day of the kingdom, expressing his desire for continued friendly bilateral relations in a statement issued on Thursday.
The two countries have enjoyed close defense, diplomatic and trade relations for decades before setting up the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council two years ago to further bolster their ties and provide them a strategic direction.
With over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has also played a crucial role in facilitating remittances and oil supply to the South Asian state.
Additionally, it helped successive administrations in Islamabad deal financial challenges and played a key role in getting an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package approved for the country by depositing $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank.
“On the occasion of the 93rd National Day of Saudi Arabia, I offer my heartiest congratulations to the King of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Ahmed was quoted as saying by a statement issued by his team.
The Pakistani minister is currently on a week-long visit to the kingdom to meet Saudi officials and representatives of Hajj catering and accommodation companies to finalize arrangements for next year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage.
“We are happy that 2.7 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia are also participating in the construction and development of the kingdom,” he said. “Every citizen inherits love for their country, but Saudi Arabia is a unique country in the sense that Muslims living in all corners of the world, along with Saudi citizens, have a special attachment to it and its citizens.”
Ahmed added that Saudi Arabia had rapidly progressed since its establishment and had achieved “remarkable” development, particularly during the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He particularly lauded Vision 2030 program, a governmental initiative to strengthen various economic sectors and reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil to generate its revenue.
“I am praying for the continuation of cordial relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and for the development and stability of the kingdom, and I once again congratulate them on the Saudi National Day on September 23,” the minister said.
Saudi National Day, known as Al-Yaom-ul-Watany, brings together both nationals and expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia to commemorate the journey of transformation that it has undertaken over the years.
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister congratulates Saudi Arabia on 93rd National Day, reaffirms strong ties
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Pakistan’s religious affairs minister congratulates Saudi Arabia on 93rd National Day, reaffirms strong ties
- Minister says the kingdom enjoys a unique status since Muslims worldwide share a special connection with it
- The kingdom’s National Day unites citizens, expatriates in honoring its transformative journey over the years
Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on alert amid forecast of heavy rain, snowfall
- Pakistan’s Met Office says westerly wave expected to trigger heavy rain, snowfall in northern areas from Jan. 25-27
- Disaster management authority urges district administrations to ensure that precautionary measures are in place
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province issued a public advisory on Sunday, calling on district administrations and the tourism department to ensure precautionary arrangements are being undertaken as the province braces for heavy rains and snowfall this week.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department this week warned that a westerly wave is likely to approach the country’s western parts from Jan. 25 and likely to grip Pakistan’s northern areas on Jan. 26. It warned that this system would trigger heavy rain and snowfall in these parts till Tuesday.
Administrations in Pakistan’s northwestern districts of Khyber and Swat carried out rescue operations on Thursday night after several vehicles were stranded in various parts of these areas. Footage on social media showed officials helping people as heavy snow blanketed vehicles on Tirah Road, Malam Jabba Road and in Nathia Gali.
“The advisory directs district administrations to ensure continuous monitoring of roads, highways, and tourist destinations, keep emergency response teams on alert, and maintain coordination between control rooms and the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC),” the PDMA said in a press release.
“In addition, hotels and guest houses have been instructed to inform tourists about potential risks and to issue timely alerts related to snowfall and landslides.”
It warned that rain and snowfall may lead to road blockages, slippery conditions, landslides, avalanches, and flash floods in various areas from Jan. 25-27, affecting the general public and tourists.
The PDMA advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, urging tourists not to visit upper and remote areas during the current period of snowfall and heavy rain.
The disaster management authority reassured citizens that it was monitoring the situation closely, urging them to contact the PDMA on its helpline at 1700 in case of any emergency.
Thousands of tourists from all over Pakistan flock to scenic spots in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, KP and Punjab during snowfall
Citizens often disregard warnings by disaster management authorities of deteriorating weather conditions and roadblocks, leading to emergency situations.
In January 2022, at least 21 people were killed when they were left trapped in their cars during a snowstorm in the Pakistani hill station of Murree.
