Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and asset recovery efforts.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah during the inaugural session of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network for the Middle East and North Africa (ARIN-MENA) held from October 8–9, 2025. The signing ceremony featured Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), and Lt. General (Rtd) Nazir Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Under the MoU, both agencies committed to exchanging information on corruption and money laundering cases, tracing and recovering stolen assets, and collaborating on mutual legal assistance (MLA). The agreement also includes technical support for preparing MLA requests through diplomatic channels.
During the event, Al-Kahmous commended NAB’s role in the global fight against corruption, acknowledging the Bureau’s innovative reforms that led to recoveries worth Rs6.4 trillion ($23 billion) within a short period. He also praised Chairman Nazir Ahmed’s address at the MENA ARIN forum, which highlighted the shared global challenges in combating corruption.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Nazir Ahmed applauded Saudi Arabia’s proactive anti-corruption initiatives, emphasising how they have revitalised regional cooperation. He also noted that the recently signed Strategic Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will further deepen the brotherly ties between the two nations.
The NAB chief extended an invitation to Al-Kahmous to visit Pakistan to advance the implementation of the MoU and further cement bilateral cooperation.
The agreement comes amid expanding cooperation between the two countries across defence, trade, and investment. Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s key partner, hosting over two million Pakistani expatriates and providing vital economic assistance through oil financing and IMF-related support in recent years.
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