A New Chapter in Pakistan–Saudi Relations -

By Junaid Qaiser
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a relationship that has endured for decades, strengthened by religious bonds, mutual trust and support during difficult times. For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been more than a close friend. It has been a dependable partner that has provided financial assistance, energy support and diplomatic backing when the country faced serious economic and political challenges. Saudi Arabia, in turn, has consistently valued Pakistan’s friendship and its role in promoting regional security.
However, as the global economy changes and competition for investment intensifies, the relationship must evolve to meet the demands of a new era. The challenge before both countries is to translate their historic friendship into a partnership that generates trade, creates jobs, attracts investment and delivers lasting economic benefits.
Recent engagements between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh Albugamy, point towards an encouraging direction. Their discussions on agricultural exports, investment opportunities and stronger commercial ties suggest that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are looking beyond traditional diplomacy towards a more ambitious economic relationship.
Maryam Nawaz expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan and welcomed the opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Such appreciation is understandable given the Kingdom’s support during Pakistan’s difficult economic periods. However, the next phase of this relationship should not depend primarily on financial assistance. It should be built on Pakistan’s ability to produce, export and attract investment on a scale that benefits both countries.
Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province and one of its major agricultural centres, has considerable potential to expand its exports to Saudi Arabia. Its livestock sector, poultry industry and fruit and vegetable production could become important sources of foreign exchange if supported by modern infrastructure, effective regulation and access to international markets.
During her meeting with the Saudi ambassador, Maryam Nawaz discussed opportunities to increase exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables. The two sides also considered organising a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab and agreed on a target of more than Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, potatoes and shrimp.
Punjab’s potential to supply halal-certified food products is particularly significant. Investment in modern slaughterhouses, cold-storage facilities, refrigerated transportation and food-processing plants would help Pakistan address present challenges. Better supply chains could reduce waste, preserve product quality and enable exporters to reach customers more efficiently.
Farmers and small producers must also be part of this process. If the benefits of expanding exports are confined to a limited number of large businesses, much of the opportunity will be lost. Access to finance, technical training and partnerships with established exporters could allow rural communities to benefit from growing demand in Saudi Arabia.
A successful export strategy would therefore do more than improve Pakistan’s trade figures. It could support agricultural livelihoods, generate employment and strengthen economic activity across Punjab.
The broader relationship is also gaining momentum through efforts to bring the two countries’ business communities closer together.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s participation in the Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition in Lahore, which opened on October 21, reflects the growing interest in expanding investment ties. The exhibition provides a platform for Saudi and Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in property development and related sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme is transforming the Kingdom’s economy, with major investments in tourism, infrastructure, technology, entertainment and real estate. As the Kingdom diversifies beyond its traditional dependence on oil, opportunities are emerging for international partners with the right expertise, products and commercial proposals.
Pakistan has much to offer. Its large domestic market, workforce, agricultural resources and growing entrepreneurial community provide a foundation for investment across several sectors. Saudi businesses could find opportunities in food processing, logistics, housing, manufacturing and other areas where investment can support long-term growth.
For Pakistan, Saudi investment could bring not only capital but also technology, expertise and access to wider commercial networks.
However, attracting investment requires more than diplomatic goodwill. Investors need confidence in the rules governing their businesses, the consistency of government policies and the protection of their interests. Bureaucratic delays, regulatory uncertainty and difficulties in doing business can discourage investors even when the commercial potential is considerable.
Pakistan must therefore improve its investment climate and ensure that commitments made at bilateral meetings translate into viable projects. Investment roadshows should be judged by the businesses established, jobs created and capital deployed, rather than by announcements alone.
Economic cooperation cannot be separated from the security concerns shared by the two countries. During her meeting with Dr Rajeh Albugamy, Maryam Nawaz described the Makkah defence agreement as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. She also strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.
These remarks underline the importance Pakistan attaches to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability. The Kingdom occupies a central place in the region, and instability affecting it has implications far beyond its borders. Pakistan likewise has a strong interest in a peaceful Middle East, where trade, investment and regional cooperation can flourish without the constant threat of conflict.
The Saudi ambassador’s appreciation for the support extended by Pakistan’s government, armed forces and people further reflected the mutual respect underpinning the relationship.
For Punjab, the proposed export target offers an opportunity to demonstrate that provincial engagement with international partners can produce tangible results. Achieving it will require coordination between government departments, exporters, farmers and investors, alongside a serious commitment to quality and competitiveness.
The federal government also has an important role in ensuring that provincial initiatives support a coherent national export strategy. Better trade facilitation, consistent policies and improved infrastructure would help businesses seize opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other international markets.
A new chapter in Pakistan–Saudi relations should be about more than reaffirming an old friendship. It should be about giving that friendship a stronger economic foundation. If both countries can turn their shared goodwill into practical cooperation, the benefits will extend beyond government offices and diplomatic meetings to farms, factories, businesses and households across both nations.