Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, speaking as chief guest at a ceremony marking the 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad, extended warm felicitations to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the people of the Kingdom on behalf of the Senate, Parliament and the people of Pakistan. He underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Gillani paid tribute to the visionary leadership of King Abdulaziz Al Saud and described Saudi Arabia as a beacon of stability, faith and progress across the Islamic world. He reminded the audience of the deep spiritual significance of the Haramain Sharifain for billions of Muslims, noting that this bond strengthens Pakistan Saudi ties at every level of society.
The Chairman highlighted the time-tested nature of Pakistan Saudi ties, calling the relationship one rooted in shared faith, cultural affinities and common aspirations. He recalled the historic 1974 Islamic Summit in Lahore as a milestone that continues to inform cooperation between the two countries and welcomed recent developments that have further cemented bilateral relations.
Welcoming the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, Mr. Gillani described the pact as a milestone in defence cooperation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. “Protecting the land of the Two Holy Mosques is not merely a duty, it is a sacred privilege and honour,” he said, stressing that the agreement sends a strong message of solidarity across the Muslim Ummah.
Mr. Gillani reflected on his earlier visits to Saudi Arabia as Prime Minister in 2008 and 2011 and on his recent trip as Chairman Senate, where engagements with the Saudi Shura Council and other leaders further deepened parliamentary diplomacy. He said that such high-level exchanges reinforce Pakistan Saudi ties and help address shared challenges like extremism and Islamophobia.
On the economic front, the Chairman noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are partners in economic growth, energy security and human development. He welcomed momentum from Saudi investment initiatives under Vision 2030 and expressed confidence that bilateral economic partnership is entering a new and promising phase that will benefit both countries.
Mr. Gillani lauded the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia as a living bridge of friendship and commended Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Al-Malkiy for his contributions to closer cooperation. He concluded by underlining Pakistan’s resolve to further expand ties in defence, economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges and called on both nations to work together for the peace, prosperity and dignity of the Muslim Ummah. “As we rejoice on Saudi Arabia’s National Day, let us renew our commitment to a future of shared progress and unity. Long live Pakistan–Saudi Arabia friendship,” he declared.
