Saudi Founding Day and relations with Pakistan

Founding Day is celebrated in Saudi Arabia with profound reverence for the achievements that laid the foundation of Saudi civilization, preceded by a lineage of great civilizations. It represents a continuum of human progress, connecting historical depth with a present marked by achievements and developments across all spheres, and a future whose plans and objectives have been meticulously crafted since the issuance of the royal decree. This generous gift from King Salman bin Abdulaziz, designating February 22 as founding day, commemorates a moment symbolizing the historical, civilizational, and cultural depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It harks back to when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the first Saudi state in 1727 AD, laying a cornerstone for a prosperous future rich with achievements.

Today, we witness the fruition of the Kingdom’s vision under the sagacious leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the visionary catalyst behind the nation’s progress. Building upon their predecessors’ footsteps, we are witnessing remarkable strides and achievements across all spheres of life, shaping a civilization of global significance with substantial influence.

Among the ambit of an ambitious vision, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strives to realize pillars represented by a dynamic society dedicated to enhancing citizen well-being and prosperity, fostering a robust economy to propel it to global leadership, promoting entrepreneurship, restructuring economic cities, contributing to the establishment of special economic zones, and enhancing competitiveness in the energy market. Additionally, the Kingdom invests in promising new sectors and diversifies government services to ensure economic sustainability and prosperity.

Pull-quote: Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of Pakistani expats, with Pakistani professionals, including engineers, construction experts and laborers playing instrumental roles in building modern Saudi infrastructure.

- Dr. Jamal Al Harbi

This ambition extends to fostering transparent and responsible governance, stimulating citizenship and encouraging all segments of society, including citizens, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, to actively contribute toward national advancement and shape the future.

This depth of vision extends to forging partnerships worldwide, particularly with fellow Islamic and Arab nations, based on mutual respect, support, peace-building, and collaborative endeavors for political, economic, and human prosperity, while honoring the sovereignty of nations and their systems.

Among the friendly Islamic nations enjoying an exemplary fraternal bond is Pakistan, which has shared close ties with Saudi Arabia since its inception in 1947. These ties are deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and commercial affinities nurtured over time. The relationship is underpinned by shared Islamic ideals, with Pakistan being the only country founded on an Islamic identity and Saudi Arabia being home to Islam’s two holiest sites. As early as 1951, a friendship treaty was signed between the two countries, laying the groundwork for cooperation. Over the decades, bilateral relations have been bolstered through robust financial and strategic assistance whenever needed, fostering unique cooperation for mutual development.

Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of Pakistani expats, with Pakistani professionals, including engineers, construction experts and laborers playing instrumental roles in building modern Saudi infrastructure. Similarly, Pakistani doctors, bankers, businessmen, academics, and financial experts have contributed significantly to the Kingdom’s institutional development. The Kingdom has provided employment opportunities ranging from high-tech professionals to unskilled laborers from remote areas of Pakistan, leveraging the vast pool of Pakistani talent for mutual benefit.

Several monuments in Pakistan stand as testaments to the depth of bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia. The International Islamic University in Islamabad was established with a generous grant of $10 million from the Kingdom. Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, a landmark of historical significance, is named after King Faisal, and the third-largest city in Pakistan was renamed Faisalabad in his honor.

High-level visits between the two countries, both historical and contemporary, have further solidified relations, culminating in agreements across various domains. These fraternal ties, rooted in positive development and mutual respect, have thrived since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The hope is that this enduring bond between the two brotherly nations continues to flourish, serving their mutual interests and fostering prosperity.

- Dr. Jamal Alharbi is a writer on international affairs and media advisor at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.