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
https://arab.news/mkh5t
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
Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan
- Customs seize 22.14 kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled betel nuts, Hino trucks, auto parts, says FBR
- Smuggled goods enter Pakistan’s Balochistan province from neighboring countries Iran and Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods and vehicles worth a total of Rs1.38 billion [$4.92 million] in the southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said in a statement.
Customs Enforcement Quetta seized and recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and consignments of smuggled goods comprising betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three Hino trucks in two separate operations, the FBR said. All items cost an estimated Rs1.38 billion, it added.
Smuggled items make their way into Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
“These operations are part of the collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks,” the FBR said.
“All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been formally initiated.”
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the FBR said.
The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks. Their detailed examination led to the recovery of the smuggled goods which were concealed in the containers.
In the second operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross area with the local police’s assistance.
The driver was interrogated while the vehicle was searched, the FBR said.
“During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle,” it said.
“Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.”
The narcotics weighed a total of 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs1.23 billion in the international market, the FBR concluded.
“The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country,” it said.
