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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign agreement to establish Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (L) with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia May 8, 2021. (Photo courtesy: SPA)
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Updated 09 May 2021
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign agreement to establish Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council

  • According to a joint statement, the two countries decided to intensify contacts and cooperation between their government officials and private sector
  • Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended an invitation to the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest
Updated 09 May 2021
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council in Jeddah, the foreign office said on Saturday. 

Ahead of the visit, Pakistan’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved the establishment of the council — a body created for streamlining bilateral cooperation between the two countries — to ‘remove hurdles’ to investment deals signed during the crown prince’s visit to Pakistan in February 2019. 

Khan arrived in the Kingdom on Friday evening for a three-day visit on the invitation of the crown prince, who was present at Jeddah airport to receive him and the first lady. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the foreign minister and other members of the Cabinet. 

Khan and the crown prince held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues in Jeddah, the FO statement said. 

“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust and longstanding tradition of mutual support,” the statement said, and added that the two parties agreed to “further strengthen, deepen and diversify the existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defense and security ties.” 

“Special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration in the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia,” the statement said. 




Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (L) and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) during the signing of the agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council in Jeddah on May 8, 2021. (Courtesy: SPA)

Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis who remit billions of dollars back home every year. 

On regional issues, Khan outlined his vision of a ‘peaceful neighborhood.’ He lauded the crown prince for efforts and initiatives aimed at reinforcing and promoting regional peace. 

Khan highlighted the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He also said Pakistan had made consistent efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the statement reported. 

The Afghan question is important in the region against the backdrop of foreign troops pulling out of Pakistan’s neighboring country after a war that has lasted two decades, and that ends with the Taliban controlling huge swathes of the country. 

During talks, issues related to the environment and climate change were discussed and the PM appreciated the crown prince’s ‘Green Saudi Arabia’ initiative. 

Khan has also invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, the foreign office said. 

A host of bilateral agreements were signed during delegation level talks, ranging from crime to narcotics and from transport to energy generation. 

According to a joint statement circulated by the PM House in Islamabad on Saturday evening, the two countries agreed to intensify contacts and cooperation between their government officials and private sector to further strengthen bilateral relations. 

They discussed ways to enhance economic and trade relations by exploring areas of investment and opportunities available in light of the Kingdom's 2030 vision and Pakistan’s development priorities emanating from a shift from geo-politics to geo-economics. 

“Both sides expressed satisfaction at existing cooperation in bilateral military and security relations and agreed to further augment collaboration and cooperation to achieve mutually agreed goals,” the joint statement continued. 

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also reaffirmed their full support for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and condemned the attacks of terrorist groups and militias, including the Houthis in Yemen, by ballistic missiles and drones on the Saudi territory. 

“They expressed serious concern at the threats posed to the security of oil exports and the stability of energy supplies, which was vital for the progress and development of the region and its peoples,” the statement added. 

Other than that, the two countries also agreed to continue supporting each other at multilateral fora. 

Khan and his Cabinet members visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday evening. They are also expected to visit Makkah and perform their umrah.

On Friday, Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whose official visit preluded Khan’s, held talks with the Saudi crown prince and reviewed bilateral ties. 

He also discussed defense cooperation with the Saudi military chief of staff.

Topics: IK Saudi Arabia visit 2021 Pakistan Saudi Ties Pakistan Saudi Arabia Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council

First international flight takes off for Muscat from Pakistan’s Gwadar airport

Updated 24 January 2025
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First international flight takes off for Muscat from Pakistan’s Gwadar airport

  • China-funded airport opened for commercial operations on Monday after months-long delay
  • Opening in August of $246 million airport postponed due to security fears after separatist attacks
Updated 24 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The first international flight took off for Muscat from the China-funded Gwadar airport on Friday with 39 passengers aboard, just days after the facility in southwestern Pakistan began commercial operations after a months-long delay.

A security review, prompted by a string of deadly attacks by separatist militants in the southwestern Balochistan province in August last year, had delayed the airport’s opening to the end of 2024 from Aug. 14. The airport was then due to begin operations on Jan. 10 but finally opened this Monday as a Pakistan International Airlines flight arrived from the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan hopes the $246-million Chinese-backed project, which will handle both domestic and international flights, will become one of the country’s largest airports.

“First international flight departs from New Gwadar International Airport to Muscat,” national carrier PIA, which operated the flight, said in a statement, adding that it would initially run one weekly flight to Muscat.

“PIA is committed to activating air operations across the country in line with national aspirations and public needs.”

Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the Gwadar airport would be able to handle A-380 aircraft and accommodate four million passengers annually.

The airport will eventually feature facilities like a cold storage, cargo sheds, hotels and shopping malls, with banking services arranged through the State Bank of Pakistan, according to the PM’s office. PIA has also planned to increase flights between Karachi and Gwadar to three times a week, while discussions are ongoing with private airlines and carriers from China, Oman and the United Arab Emirates to launch both domestic and international services.

China has pledged over $65 billion in infrastructure, energy and other projects in Pakistan under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, the program in Pakistan is also developing a deep-water port close to the new Gwadar airport, a joint venture between Pakistan, Oman and China that is close to completion.

Although no Chinese projects were targeted in the militant attacks in August that delayed the airport’s launch, they have been frequently attacked in the past by separatists who view China as a foreign invader trying to gain control of impoverished but mineral-rich Balochistan, the site of a decades-long insurgency.

Recent attacks, including one in October 2024 in which two Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in Karachi, have forced Beijing to publicly criticize Pakistan over security lapses and media has widely reported in recent months that China wants its own security forces on the ground to protect its nationals and projects, a demand Islamabad has long resisted.

Topics: Gawadar Airport

Pakistan, Azerbaijan finalize agreement on arms trade, defense infrastructure, intelligence sharing

Updated 24 January 2025
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Pakistan, Azerbaijan finalize agreement on arms trade, defense infrastructure, intelligence sharing

  • There have been a series of visits by Azerbaijani officials to Pakistan in recent months
  • Islamabad is seeking closer trade and investment ties with former Soviet republics
Updated 24 January 2025
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday Islamabad and Baku were in the process of finalizing a memorandum of agreement to enhance security ties through cooperation in arms trade, defense infrastructure and intelligence sharing.

Asif was addressing the eighth session of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan joint commission alongside Azerbaijani Defense Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev who is visiting Islamabad. 

There have been a series of visits by Azerbaijani officials to Pakistan in recent months, as Islamabad seeks closer ties, especially in trade and investment, with former Soviet republics and Central Asian states. 

Last July, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev visited Pakistan and announced that the two nations were working to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion.

“I’m hopeful that once we finalize our memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the field of the defense industry, we will be able to further our security ties through arms trade, defense infrastructure and sharing of intelligence,” Asif said. 

He invited Azerbaijan to join Pakistan’s Strategic Underground Gas Storage (SUGS), a critical component of energy infrastructure, and the White Oil Pipeline project that transports oil from ports to refineries and other distribution points.

Asif also suggested organizing regular trade exhibitions between the two countries to showcase local products in each other’s markets.

Last December, Pakistan waived customs and regulatory duties on imports from Azerbaijan under the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Preferential Trade Agreement. The agreement aimed to boost economic cooperation by reducing tariffs on goods like Pakistan’s sports equipment, leather, and pharmaceuticals and Azerbaijan’s oil and gas products.

Topics: pakistan azerbaijan ties Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif

On International Day of Education, Pakistan vows to embrace ‘promise of AI’

Updated 24 January 2025
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On International Day of Education, Pakistan vows to embrace ‘promise of AI’

  • Theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” 
  • Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for both students and teachers
Updated 24 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, the International Day of Education, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing an education system that embraced the “promise of AI” and supported the country’s youth in thriving in an evolving technological landscape.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for students and teachers. AI can automate tasks, provide real-time feedback, and create personalized learning experiences.

“As AI-driven systems become increasingly integrated into our lives, the boundaries between human intervention and machine-driven actions continue to blur,” Sharif said in a statement.

“This presents both opportunities and challenges, raising the critical question of how we can uphold and enhance human agency amidst the growing tide of automation.”

He said his government recognized the transformative power of education in preparing Pakistan’s youth to thrive in the evolving technological landscape. 

“By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, we aim to equip our citizens with the tools not only to adapt to technological changes but to shape them in ways that uphold our values, protect our freedoms, and advance our society,” the PM said. 

He highlighted steps taken in Pakistan to prepare its educational institutions to embrace technological advancements. These initiatives include the establishment of High-Impact IT Labs in ICT degree colleges, Digital Hubs in rural ICT schools, the Google Center of Excellence, SMART Classrooms, and the E-Taleem Portal for blended learning. 

“Additionally, we have introduced E-Rozgar Centers, Software Technology Parks, Robotics and Mind Games programs, and STEAM Labs to foster innovation. It is imperative that our schools are equipped with the latest technologies to equip our children with the requisite skills,” the PM said. 

“On this day, while we reaffirm our resolve to advancing an education system that embraces the promise of AI while safeguarding the essence of human creativity, compassion, and purpose.”

Topics: international education day Education Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif artificial intelligence (AI)

Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s allegations it hosts Daesh militant camps

Updated 24 January 2025
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Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s allegations it hosts Daesh militant camps

  • Foreign Office says Afghanistan is a source of “support and logistics” for militant operations against Pakistan
  • Ties between neighbors are strained over surge in militant attacks in Pakistan it blames on Afghanistan
Updated 24 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Thursday rejected Afghanistan’s allegations Pakistan was hosting and facilitating Daesh militant camps, calling it “weird propaganda.”

The remarks come in response to allegations by Afghan officials that Pakistan was operating training camps for Daesh fighters and facilitating their movement through the Islamabad and Karachi airports for training in its southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces with the aim of carrying out militant activities in Afghanistan.

Islamabad also frequently accuses neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks amid a surge in militancy in its KP and Balochistan provinces. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow Afghan soil to be used by militants, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter for Islamabad.

“Frankly, we completely reject these allegations. They are not grounded in reality,” Khan said during a weekly press briefing when asked about the Afghan allegations on Daesh camps. “It’s just some kind of weird propaganda.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s concern over sanctuaries of the Pakistani Taliban or Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) in Afghanistan, accusing the country of being a source of “support and logistics” for TTP militant operations against Pakistan.

“It couldn’t do without the sanctuaries it’s enjoying in Afghanistan,” Khan added. “And we continue to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address this genuine and serious concern so that our bilateral relations can achieve full potential as good neighbors.”

Islamabad says it has consistently taken up the issue of cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration. The issue has also led to clashes between the border forces of the two countries on multiple occasions in recent months.

In December, the Afghan Taliban said bombardment by Pakistani military aircraft in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province had killed at least 46 people, most of whom were children and women. Just days later, the Afghan defense ministry said Taliban forces targeted “several points” in neighboring Pakistan, further straining tense ties. 

Relations between the two countries have also soured since Pakistan launched a deportation drive in November 2023 against illegal aliens residing in the country. Though Pakistan insists the campaign does not only target Afghans but all those residing in Pakistan unlawfully, it has disproportionately hit Afghans, with at least 800,000 repatriated so far.

Topics: Pakistan Afghan Ties Pakistan foreign office

Pakistan says Hong Kong conglomerate discussing $1 billion investment in maritime sector

Updated 24 January 2025
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Pakistan says Hong Kong conglomerate discussing $1 billion investment in maritime sector

  • Pakistan maritime affairs minister holds meeting with Hutchison Ports officials
  • Proposal includes upfront $200 million in foreign direct investment for Pakistan
Updated 24 January 2025
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: A Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate has expressed interest in investing $1 billion in Pakistan’s maritime sector to improve the South Asian nation’s port infrastructure, the maritime ministry said on Thursday.

Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, is a leading global port operator and logistics company, operating in 52 ports across 26 countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. It provides container terminal operations, cargo handling, logistics, port management, transportation, and distribution services.

Pakistan’s seaports in Karachi, located along the Arabian Sea, are essential for global trade and provide job opportunities for thousands of citizens. The country has been actively working on restructuring and enhancing its port infrastructure. 

On Thursday, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh held a meeting with a high-level delegation from Hutchison Ports, led by the company’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Andy Tsoi, to discuss the $1 billion investment plan, the maritime affairs ministry said.

“This groundbreaking proposal includes an upfront $200 million Foreign Direct Investment,” the ministry said, adding that the investment would focus on modernizing the Karachi International Container Terminal and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited “with advanced automation technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and adopting eco-friendly solutions.”

The plan includes introducing “electrified and remote-control equipment” to reduce carbon emissions and establishing a state-of-the-art warehousing depot for Pakistan’s growing trade sector as well as funding to improve roads around the south wharf to ensure “smooth container traffic flow and boost supply chain efficiency.”

The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and seek international partnerships to expand maritime activities.

In August 2024, state media reported that Danish shipping firm Maersk was in discussions with local authorities to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s port and transport infrastructure over the next two years. 

In October last year, the maritime minister signed an agreement with Denmark’s Minister Morten Bodskov to restructure Pakistan’s maritime sector and provide technical training at its ports.

Topics: maritime Karachi port Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

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