ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that a proposed visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan would prove to be a “game changer” in bilateral ties between both countries, adding the entire Pakistani nation was awaiting the high-profile visit.
Naqvi said this during his visit to the Saudi embassy in Islamabad, where he met the Kingdom’s ambassador, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, according to the Pakistani interior ministry. The two figures discussed matters of mutual interest, including the Crown Prince’s visit, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this month said a much-awaited visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Islamabad was “on the cards” and could materialize any time during May. But neither of the two sides has confirmed any dates.
“The historic brotherly friendship of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is turning into a beneficial economic relationship,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry.
“The people of Pakistan are looking forward to the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The visit of the Saudi Crown Prince will prove to be a game changer in relations between the two countries.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have lately been working closely to increase bilateral trade and investment deals, with the Crown Prince last month reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite an investment package of $5 billion.
A high-level Saudi business delegation, led by the Kingdom’s Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, this month visited Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, including mineral, energy, agriculture and petroleum.
“Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan in every test,” Naqvi said. “The recent visit of Saudi Arabian investors to Pakistan was very successful.”
On the occasion, the Saudi ambassador said the Kingdom attached “great importance” to its relations with Pakistan, according to the Pakistani interior ministry.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense, and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and serves as a top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.
Saudi Arabia has also often come to cash-strapped Pakistan’s aid by regularly providing it oil on deferred payment and offering direct financial support to help stabilize its economy and shore up its forex reserves.
Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan will prove to be ‘game changer’ in bilateral ties — minister
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Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan will prove to be ‘game changer’ in bilateral ties — minister
- Pakistan’s deputy PM this month said the much-awaited visit was ‘on the cards,’ but neither side has confirmed any dates
- The statement came amid Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase bilateral trade and reach investment agreements
Fire erupts at factory in Karachi export zone, no casualties reported
- Blaze breaks out in Landhi area as firefighters deploy snorkels and water bowsers
- Sindh chief minister seeks detailed report, calls for swift emergency response
KARACHI: A major fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Export Processing Zone on Friday, prompting a large-scale response by firefighters as authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said fire tenders and snorkels were deployed to the site in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, with additional water bowsers brought in to help contain the blaze.
“Another big challenge for our brave firefighters,” he said in a social media post. “Fire has erupted at a factory in Export Processing Zone and our fire tenders and snorkels are present on ground to tackle the situation.”
https://x.com/murtazawahab1/status/2019831802945478804?s=20
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Karachi commissioner, according to a statement from his office.
He issued emergency instructions to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services, directing authorities to ensure swift rescue operations and safety measures.
The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure immediate assistance to affected workers and their families and ordered a joint investigation by the administration and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire.
Fires are common in Karachi’s industrial areas, often blamed on faulty wiring, poor safety compliance and inadequate enforcement of building regulations.
The latest blaze comes weeks after a deadly fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in January killed at least 67 people, intensifying scrutiny of fire safety and emergency preparedness in the city’s commercial and industrial buildings.
