Pakistan strong proponent of peace, says Sanjrani

Senate chairman says Saudi Arabia always stands by Pakistan in testing times

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Saturday said Pakistan is a strong proponent of peace both at regional and global levels and has always strived for the same.

The country wants peaceful resolution of all the issues and long lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue and constructive engagements, he added. He expressed these views on completion of his four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, which he made on the invitation of the Saudi Shura Council chairman, he led a delegation comprising Senators Talha Mehmood, Dilawar Khan, Mira Khan Afridi, Fida Muhammad Khan and Ahmed Khan, a press release said.

The delegation was seen off at the airport by Saudi Assistant Speaker Dr Saad Al-Hareki. Pakistani Council General Shehryar Akbar Khan, senior officers of Pakistani Consulate, senior officers of the Saudi protocol department and others were also present on the occasion.

Sanjrani said parleys would also open up new vistas of bilateral multi-sector cooperation and hoped for more such high-level interaction in future.

Terming his visit successful, he said the meetings held with Saudi counterparts and other high ranking functionaries would further pave the way for enhanced cooperation in future.

He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies and have a history of fraternal relationship. Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in testing times, he added.

"The government and people of Pakistan hold relationship with Saudi Arabia in high esteem and we desire to expand theses ties in other sectors," Sanjrani said. During his visit, the Senate chairman also met Commander of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition General Raheel Sharif.

Sanjrani also thanked Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for treating the delegation as royal guests. APP