ISLAMABAD: Describing Balochistan as Pakistan’s mineral wealth, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Tuesday welcomed Saudi investment in mining and natural resources.

The chairman made these remarks in a meeting with a delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by Eng Khalid Saleh Al-Modaifer, vice minister of industries and production at a hotel in Islamabad.

Welcoming the delegation, he said that this visit was a testament to the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He admired Saudi Arabia’s achievements and expertise in the field of mining and expressed hope to find avenues of collaboration and mutual benefits.

He said that Saudi Arabia had always supported Pakistan through thick and thin. “Our ties are deep-rooted and our brotherhood is unique,” he said.

He observed that the province of Balochistan was blessed with reserves of copper, gold, coal, sulphur and other natural resources.

“Investment in these sectors would not only be beneficial for Saudi investors but would also play a critical role in uplifting the economic condition and quality of life in Balochistan and Pakistan at large.”

He said Balochistan due to its geo-strategic location and Gwadar Port had the potential to become a hub of commercial activities in the region.

The leader of the Saudi delegation agreed with the views of the Senate chairman and said that the friendship between the two countries was time-tested. He greeted Pakistani leadership for hosting an important mineral summit to bring together international investors on a single platform for exploring investment options. The Saudis termed the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council a huge success which would help attract foreign investment in the country.

The Saudi minister hoped that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would benefit from the investment opportunities offered by the mineral sector of Balochistan.

The Senate chairman expressed wishes for the Saudi delegation as well as for King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al-Saud. He also lauded Saudi willingness to engage in a fruitful partnership and work towards a most prosperous future.

Pakistani delegation comprised senators Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmadzai, Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, and Naseebullah Bazai. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Maliki was also present during the meeting.

Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd, 2023