Speaking at the function held in Pakistan International School, Aziziya, Pakistan’s Consul General Abdul Salik Khan said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are bonded by religious, historical, cultural and economic factors. He said the two countries are strategic partners.

He appreciated the Saudi leadership for its policies, which made the country a stable and a leading world economy. He said Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times for which Pakistanis are grateful to the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia.

The consul general said Pakistan was facing unusual rains and floods in Sindh and Balochistan that caused colossal damage to the lives, infrastructure, livestock and agriculture. He urged the Pakistani community in the Kingdom and Saudi philanthropists to come forward and assist the Pakistani government in relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.

Umar Muhammad Chapra, economic adviser at the Islamic Development Bank, said Saudi-Pak relations are deep-rooted in history and culture. He said that during 1967 Pakistani economic experts assisted Saudi policymakers that expedited that pace of development in the Kingdom. He commended the policies of the Saudi leadership that made the Kingdom a hub of economic activities in the region. National anthems of both the countries and national songs were played on the occasion.

Managing Editor of the Urdu News Tariq Mishkhas said that prosperity and peace in the Kingdom resulted from the wise and sagacious policies of its leadership. He said Saudi people wish to see Pakistan a prosperous and developed country.