Saudi crown prince visit hailed far and wide

Politicians, business people say landmark visit will open new horizons

LAHORE:  

The entire Pakistani nation has hailed the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Pakistan and the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) of $20 billion.

Reacting to the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit on Monday, politicians, business community leaders and the public at large unanimously termed it a historic occasion and a new beginning for both nations.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said Pakistan will fulfill its true real destiny. “The historic investment package announced by the Saudi Crown is a unique gift for Pakistan. It will economically strengthen the country,” he added.

Buzdar said that the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince has given a new dimension to bilateral relations between both the countries. He added that the signing of agreements heralded a new era of economic cooperation and the journey of national development will be further accelerated, he said.

The CM added Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan through thick and thin. “We are thankful to the Saudi crown prince for this historic investment in the country.”

The Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, he said, has taken a number of steps for public welfare in a short span of time. “We have come to power to serve the people and this agenda will be fulfilled,” he maintained.

Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed termed the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit a diplomatic success. He highlighted that the release of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Saudi jails, announced by the crown prince, was a reflection of this achievement.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan has initiated a new era of warm relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Unlike past rulers who have resorted to establishment of personal relations with Saudi royal family on Pakistan’s interest, Imran Khan has adopted a marvelous diplomatic strategy to get the Pakistani prisoners released from Saudi jails. This shows that the present regime is making complete efforts to drive the country towards new horizons of progress and prosperity”, the minister added.

Rasheed observed that MoUs worth $20 billion, signed during the visit, will usher in a new era of prosperity and strengthen the national economy. He added this would result in enhanced economic relations between the two countries.

SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik also welcomed the investment package announce by the Saudi Crown Prince. He underlined that Pakistan is a safe country with tremendous investment opportunities. “Saudi investors and business leaders should take benefit of the investment-friendly policies of the present government,” he stressed.

Malik said Saudi investment in Pakistan will benefit the business community of both countries. “Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have preferential trade agreement, but the credit to further strengthen economic ties between both countries goes to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.”

He said both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have bilateral trade of only $2.5 billion, but if Saudi investors take interest, they could take benefit of Pakistan’s human capital, inexpensive labour and natural resources. He also underscored the need of business delegation exchanges and free business visas.

Tahafuz-e-Harmain Sharifain Council Chairman Dr Abdul Ghafoor Rashid said the successful visit of the Saudi Crown Prince is a great diplomatic success. He added India had tried its best to sabotage the cause, but the Saudi government proved it was standing by Pakistan. “The friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not among some persons or parties, but it was a connection of hearts between two loving nations.”

He said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also played a positive role by highlighting the problems of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims and the miseries of Pakistani prisoners. “The Saudi Crown Prince announced the release of Pakistani prisoners and the entire nation is thankful for his sympathetic gesture.

Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Chief Dr Farid Ahmed Piracha welcomed the warm sentiments expressed by the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman for Pakistan during his visit to the country.

In a statement, he said that the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were not only strong and filled with respect, but also had an element of sanctity due to Haramain-e-Sharifain.  The JI deputy chief appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s request to the crown prince over the problems of Hajjis and Pakistanis in Saudi prisons.