Glimpse in Diplomatic Relations between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947, following the partition of India and Pakistan.
These relations have been consistently close and friendly, often referred to as a “special relationship.”
Pakistan is seen as Saudi Arabia’s closest Muslim and non-Arab ally.
Nature of Relations
These two countries have pursued extensive collaboration across various sectors, including commercial, cultural, religious, political, and strategic domains.
Pakistan regards its ties with Saudi Arabia as its most vital bilateral partnership, emphasizing the enhancement of these relations.
Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, further solidifying its importance to Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country.
Public Perception, Aid
Pakistanis generally hold a highly favorable view of Saudi Arabia, with a significant majority viewing the Kingdom positively.
Saudi Arabia often supports Pakistan through gifts and loans, including symbolic religious gestures, like the donation of 200 tons of dates in 2014.
Military, Economic Cooperation
The relationship extends into military and economic realms. In 2014, Pakistan agreed to sell JF-17 Thunder jets to Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s 2019 visit to Pakistan marked a significant milestone. He signed an agreement to establish a $10 billion refinery in Gwadar.
Political, Religious Support
Both nations are leading members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Saudi Arabia supported Pakistan in various conflicts, notably during the creation of Bangladesh in 1971 and the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s.
In turn, Pakistan has provided military support to Saudi Arabia during the 1990–1991 Gulf War and stationing troops to protect Islamic holy sites.
Economic Ties
Saudi Arabia is a primary source of petroleum for Pakistan and provides substantial financial aid. The remittances from the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economy.
Recently, the two countries have focused on expanding cooperation in trade, education, real estate, tourism, IT, communications, and agriculture.
Recent Developments
In 2018, Saudi Arabia agreed to establish an oil refinery at Gwadar, and in 2019, they financed developmental projects in Pakistan worth $20 billion.
However, some strains have emerged, particularly regarding the Kashmir issue and Saudi Arabia’s position in the OIC.
Labor Relations
About two million Pakistani workers live in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to its economy. These workers send substantial remittances back to Pakistan.
Defence Cooperation
Pakistan maintains close military ties with Saudi Arabia, providing support, arms, and training to the Saudi armed forces.
Pakistani soldiers have been stationed in Saudi Arabia since the 1970s for protection and training purposes.
Vision for Future Cooperation
As of 2023, both countries have expressed a desire to further improve bilateral cooperation, especially in trade, economy, and defence.
Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi and the Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, have underscored the commitment to deepen these ties for mutual benefit.
Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Overview
Background
The Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia, initially established in Jeddah, was later moved to Riyadh and began functioning in a rented building.
On November 5, 1992, the new chancery building in Riyadh was officially inaugurated. This transition signifies the growing relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, underpinned by the large Pakistani expatriate community in the Kingdom.
This community, numbering around 2.6 million, has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the two nations, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries.
They have sent substantial remittances back to Pakistan, amounting to $5.6 billion in 2014-2015, which constituted 30 percent of Pakistan’s total remittances globally.
Services Offered
Embassy provides a range of services, including:
- Pakistani visa processing.
- Renewal and issuance of Pakistani passports
- Notarial services and legalization.
- Registration of Pakistani nationals residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Emergency assistance to Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia.
Visa Requirements
Saudi Arabian citizens require a visa and a valid passport to enter Pakistan. E Visa can be obtained through Pakistan’s official visa application website.
Outreach, Community Welfare
The embassy plays a vital role in serving the Pakistani expatriate community spread across Saudi Arabia.
It dispatches consular teams to various cities for passport issuance, document attestation, visa granting, and identity card issuance.
The consular sections in Riyadh and Jeddah witness a high footfall, catering to over 1,500 people daily for various services.
The embassy has significantly expanded its capacity for processing machine-readable passports (MRPs), doubling the processing capacity to 1,200 applications per day.
Diplomatic Presence, Relations
Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in Saudi Arabia includes the embassy in Riyadh and a consulate general in Jeddah. Conversely, Saudi Arabia has representations in Islamabad and Karachi.
These diplomatic missions play a pivotal role in fostering the strong bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
Community Contribution
The Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its professional contributions and acts of heroism.
The Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia stands as a testament to the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It does not serve as a diplomatic mission but also as a vital support system for the large Pakistani expatriate community in the Kingdom.
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