LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed gratitude to Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan.

In a meeting with new Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Albugamy here on Wednesday, Maryam appreciated the ambassador’s diplomatic services.

She described the Makkah defence agreement as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.

The meeting discussed opportunities to utilise Punjab’s resources and potential to enhance exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables to Saudi Arabia. The two sides also deliberated on organising a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab and agreed on a target of over Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, potatoes and shrimp.

She said Punjab had the potential to become a reliable supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia.

Dr Rajeh Albugamy thanked the government of Pakistan, its armed forces and the people for their support to Saudi Arabia.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026