Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Albugamy on Wednesday discussed measures to enhance bilateral trade, with a target of over Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, potatoes and shrimp to Saudi Arabia.
During a meeting here, the chief minister warmly welcomed the Saudi ambassador and congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities. The two sides also discussed organising a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab and explore opportunities to enhance exports of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia.
CM Maryam Nawaz said Punjab had immense potential to become a reliable supplier of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables to the Kingdom. She stressed that stronger economic ties between the two countries would contribute to their shared prosperity and security.
The CM expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan, saying the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership held a special and revered place in the hearts of the Pakistani people. She said the decades-long relationship of trust between the Saudi leadership and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was a shining example of enduring bilateral relations.
CM Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting cities and civilian infrastructure, and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. She also condemned attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.
The CM said the joint defence agreement signed in August 2026 reflected the shared resolve of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to safeguard their sovereignty and security. She added that Pakistan fully supported Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its people, cities and critical infrastructure. “The people of Pakistan and Punjab stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she said, adding that shared economic strength was a reliable guarantee of collective security.
She added that Saudi Arabia was Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, contributing approximately $9.8 billion, and paid tribute to the services of the former Saudi ambassador for promoting relations between the two countries. The CM also invited Saudi citizens to visit Punjab’s prominent tourist destinations and conveyed her best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Crown Prince.
Dr Rajeh Albugamy appreciated the deep-rooted, fraternal and strategic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and expressed his commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all fields.
The Saudi ambassador thanked the government of Pakistan, its armed forces and the people for their support to Saudi Arabia, particularly their backing for efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s security, stability and territorial integrity.
He said Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, including its Mughal monuments and vibrant traditions, was an attraction in its own right. He added that Lahore’s hospitality, cuisine, warmth and welcoming spirit were renowned within Pakistan and abroad.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in a bus accident near Rajanpur. The chief minister directed the Rajanpur deputy commissioner to reach the accident site and oversee rescue operations. Emergency measures were also put in place at the District Headquarters Hospital in Rajanpur and other nearby hospitals to ensure prompt medical assistance to the injured passengers.
The chief minister directed the authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and prayed for their speedy recovery. She also extended her condolences to the bereaved families and ordered action against those responsible for the accident.