LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met a delegation of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council on Saturday for a detailed briefing and discussions on potential business opportunities in Punjab.
Welcoming the delegation in Arabic, the chief minister received the Saudi team led by Chairman of the Pak-Saudi Business Forum Prince Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Saad Al Saud. The delegation was given a comprehensive briefing on the Punjab government’s major public welfare projects, which they termed commendable initiatives.
Maryam Nawaz informed the delegation about vast investment opportunities in Punjab and expressed satisfaction over their scheduled meetings with representatives of the banking, livestock, meat export, and chemical sectors. She announced the establishment of a special Saudi Industrial Estate in Punjab, offering a 10-year income tax exemption and a one-time customs duty exemption for Saudi investors. A special fast-track desk will also be set up in the Chief Minister’s Office to facilitate the Saudi Industrial Estate.
The chief minister said Punjab was the backbone of Pakistan’s economic development and would warmly welcome Saudi investment. She added that there were extensive opportunities in the province’s special economic zones, particularly in the energy, agriculture, mining, tourism, and logistics sectors. She highlighted that Punjab’s 120 million people—especially its skilled and tech-savvy youth—were eager to partner with their Saudi brothers in agriculture, industry, and IT. “Punjab’s clear policy for investment is ‘no delay, immediate delivery,’” she underscored.
Maryam Nawaz said that enhanced business relations would mark the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Members of the Saudi delegation expressed interest in livestock, mining, infrastructure, meat, IT, and other sectors. The chief minister proposed forming joint working groups between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in key areas. The Punjab Mass Transit Authority also offered its services for the operation of the famous holy metro train in Makkah.
She said the historic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflected their unwavering commitment to the protection of Two Holy Mosques and termed it a significant step for regional peace.
“The protection of the Two Holy Mosques is not a strategy but an eternal honor and duty,” she added.
The chief minister praised the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for leading Saudi Arabia towards unprecedented development and elevating the prestige of the Muslim Ummah.
She also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s compassionate support for the people of Punjab during the recent floods, calling it a prime example of brotherhood. She proposed promoting the Pak-Saudi partnership through 30-, 60-, and 90-day action plans under clearly defined goals.
“We welcome the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council to the land of Punjab,” she said. “This visit of a high-level Saudi delegation is an enduring symbol of the everlasting bond of Pak-Saudi love and brotherhood. We are proud that Pak-Saudi relations are not based on temporary interests or needs, but on faith, belief, and a bond of hearts.” She said that the delegation members were not just visitors from the land of the Two Holy Mosques but people who lived in the hearts of Punjabis.
Prince Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Saad Al Saud said he had not only come to invest in Pakistan but also to assist and support Pakistani brothers.
He thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her warm hospitality in Lahore and said, “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership is impressive. The Saudi delegation looks forward to enhanced cooperation and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.” He said that the delegation would thoroughly review mining opportunities in Punjab.
Later, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz hosted a dinner featuring traditional cuisine in honour of the Saudi delegation. She also expressed gratitude to the Saudi ambassador for providing household goods for flood-affected families.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz condemned the terrorist attack on the Dera Ismail Khan Police Training Center. She paid rich tribute to the police personnel who embraced martyrdom while fighting the terrorists.
