ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his official visit to Saudi Arabia starting tomorrow, the foreign office in Islamabad said on Tuesday, to discuss ways to further enhance bilateral trade and strengthen collaboration in key economic sectors.
The two countries have enjoyed close defense, diplomatic, political and cultural relations, though they have consolidated their ties further in recent years as Islamabad grappled with a prolonged economic crisis and sought the kingdom’s help.
Pakistan has tried to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) ties with the Kingdom, with both sides announcing during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh last October they had signed 34 memorandums of understanding and agreements worth $2.8 billion to enhance private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 19-22 March 2025,” the foreign office said. “The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance economic cooperation and promote investment between the two countries.”
“During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman,” it added. “The leaders will discuss and deliberate upon ways to boost trade, enhance partnership in key sectors and facilitate greater economic collaboration.”
Sharif will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with key federal ministers and senior officials. The delegation is expected to engage with Saudi counterparts to explore new avenues of investment and economic cooperation.
According to the foreign office statement, discussions will also cover regional and global developments, including the Gaza situation, evolving Middle East dynamics and broader issues concerning the Muslim Ummah.
Saudi Arabia presents a key export opportunity for Pakistani businesses, given its strong consumer demand and ambitious Vision 2030 economic reforms that emphasize diversification and foreign investments.
Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy.
Last month, Pakistan’s commerce minister, Jam Kamal Khan, inaugurated the country’s first-ever solo “Made in Pakistan” exhibition in Jeddah, informing participants that over 1.7 million Pakistani workers had migrated to the Kingdom in the past five years, making it the top destination for Pakistani emigrants.
Pakistani PM in Saudi Arabia from Mar. 19-22 to discuss economic cooperation, investments
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Pakistani PM in Saudi Arabia from Mar. 19-22 to discuss economic cooperation, investments
- Pakistani foreign office says Sharif scheduled to meet Saudi crown prince
- Discussions will also cover global developments including Gaza war
At least six killed in roof collapse in Pakistan’s northwest
- Five others trapped under the rubble were rescued and shifted to hospital, rescue official says
- Roof collapses are a recurring hazard in Pakistan often due to poor construction, aging buildings
ISLAMABAD: At least six people, including women and children, were killed and five others injured after dilapidated roof of a house collapsed in Pakistan’s northwestern Charsadda district, a rescue official said on Sunday.
The roof collapse occurred in Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda, trapping several people, who had come to attend a wedding, under the rubble, according to local media reports.
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said their teams immediately rushed to the site, rescued five people and retrieved bodies of the deceased.
“Rescue 1122 personnel removed the debris with utmost caution and evacuated the affected people, who were transferred to a nearby hospital,” the spokesman said.
Roof collapses are a recurring hazard across Pakistan. Many such incidents are linked to poor construction practices, aging buildings, and a lack of adherence to building codes.
Informal housing settlements and older urban neighborhoods are especially vulnerable as decades-old roofs often fail to withstand prolonged downpours or snowfall.
In a statement, Shafi Jan, adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister on information, expressed grief over the loss of human lives in the incident.
“The provincial government extends its sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said.
