Author: Amir Muhammad Khan

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level meetings with regional counterparts during the OIC Executive Committee gatherings in Jeddah, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties across the Islamic world. On the sidelines, Dar met the Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel, and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, to discuss strategic cooperation. During his meeting with the Maldivian minister, Dar reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Maldives. Both leaders pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and reiterated support for the legitimate rights of…

By Amir Muhammad KhanJEDDAH: Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, acting director general of passports, inspected passport halls at King Abdulaziz International Airport to assess preparedness for the expected influx of Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan. The tour included arrival and departure areas as well as dedicated Hajj and Umrah terminals, reviewing the implementation of the seasonal operational plan during one of the busiest periods for religious travel. Officials briefed Al-Murabba on the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Unit, which monitors real-time performance indicators and completion rates to enhance services for pilgrims. The acting director general called for intensified efforts and a unified team…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: The Pakistan Journalists Forum, the country’s oldest voluntary media organization, held a web conference to mark the 299th Foundation Day of Saudi Arabia. The event was themed “Foundation Day of Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030: History, Identity and Bright Future.” Forum members paid tribute to Saudi leadership, noting the country’s remarkable development under the guidance of its people and rich historical heritage. Speakers highlighted the achievements of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing Saudi Arabia as a guiding force for the Islamic world. Forum President Maroof Hussain, General Secretary Jamil…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: Pakistan Navy’s modern warship, PNS Khyber, arrived in Jeddah Islamic Port on a goodwill visit under the command of Captain Ali Raza. A reception ceremony was held on board, with the national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by Pakistan’s Consul General in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, deputy consul general, consular officers, Saudi Navy officials, businessmen, and members of the Pakistani community. Captain Ali Raza said PNS Khyber was recently acquired from Turkey and this marks its first international goodwill visit. “The ship has full…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased its growing aerospace capabilities at the World Defence Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, presenting the JF-17 Thunder Block III and the Super Mushshaq aircraft to a global audience of defence and security professionals. The exhibition, held in Riyadh, brought together militaries, manufacturers, and technology firms from around the world, offering a platform to display modern defence solutions and strategic innovation. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF’s participation was aimed at demonstrating Pakistan’s operational expertise and its emerging role in advanced aerospace technology. The JF-17 Thunder Block…

He highlighted that Pakistan had steadily improved its management of public debt, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling to about 70 percent from roughly 74 percent over the past three years By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Pakistan has made significant strides in stabilizing its economy, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told an international audience at a high-level roundtable on sovereign debt vulnerabilities, emphasizing the country’s progress through disciplined economic management and institutional reforms. Speaking at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies 2026, jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund, Aurangzeb painted a cautiously optimistic picture of Pakistan’s fiscal…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ten-year development program, valued at $20 billion, during a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia. Managing Director of the World Bank Group, Anna Bjerde, met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, on the sidelines of the Annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies to review progress and discuss ways to strengthen development cooperation. The discussions focused on Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework and covered key sectors including energy, education, health, climate resilience, fiscal reforms, debt-for-development swaps, and infrastructure. Both sides emphasized the need for a more targeted…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan is planning to develop a structured pipeline of skilled human resources for key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, to generate economic benefits for both countries. The Finance Minister made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Arabian Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference 2026 for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. The two ministers discussed follow-ups on Saudi investments in Pakistan and broader bilateral economic cooperation. The Saudi minister praised Pakistan’s high-quality talent in artificial intelligence and technology, noting…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Pakistani defence manufacturers drew significant international attention as the Global Defense Exhibition opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing military technology from around the world. The event brought together around 900 companies from 80 countries, including a strong contingent from Pakistan, where local defence organizations displayed a range of equipment and systems. Exhibitors included Global Industrial & Defense Solutions, Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistan Ordnance Factories, and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation. Among the displays was the Fateh-2 missile, alongside other missile systems credited by officials with strengthening Pakistan’s defensive capabilities during recent exercises, including Maarka-e-Haq…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: The consul general of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, said resolving the problems faced by the Pakistani community was his foremost responsibility, as he addressed a dinner held in his honour in the Saudi city. The event was organised by Chaudhry Muhammad Akram, chairman of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), and was attended by office-bearers of the party and members of the Pakistan Investment Forum. Rabbani said Pakistanis should take pride in the fact that, compared with many other countries, issues faced by the community in Saudi Arabia were resolved promptly. He attributed this…