Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Deepen Strategic Partnership
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their long-standing partnership through new defence, manpower, and technology initiatives. The moves mark a new phase of economic and strategic cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
Defence Pact Spurs Manpower Expansion
Following the landmark defence agreement signed last month, Pakistan plans to double its manpower exports to Saudi Arabia, from half a million to nearly one million workers annually, according to the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE).
Between 2020 and 2024, Pakistan sent 1.88 million workers to the Kingdom, a 21% rise from the previous five years. Remittances from Saudi Arabia also climbed steadily, reaching $8.59 billion in 2024, up from $7.39 billion in 2020.
Senior BEOE official Gul Akbar said the new defence pact has boosted Saudi confidence in Pakistan’s workforce. Both countries are now planning to sign a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement.
“We aim to double manpower exports next year,” Akbar said. He added that new proposals include technical training institutes, an e-visa system, and skill certification programs to align with Saudi labour needs.
Experts link the growing demand for Pakistani labour to Vision 2030 development projects and preparations for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup, which are driving opportunities in construction, transport, and hospitality.
GO Telecom to Launch AI Hub in Pakistan
In a major technological leap, Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom will launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub in Pakistan this month to boost innovation and digital collaboration.
According to Pakistan’s IT Ministry, the GO AI Hub Pakistan will be inaugurated in October 2025. It aims to bring together government and industry leaders to strengthen AI research, digital infrastructure, and talent development.
GO Telecom CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour said the expansion reflects the company’s goal of regional diversification and closer ties with “friendly and brotherly nations.”
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) hailed the project as a “game-changer” for startups seeking access to Saudi and regional tech markets.
New Economic Committee Formed to Oversee Ties
To fast-track cooperation, Pakistan has set up an 18-member high-level committee co-chaired by Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik and SIFC National Coordinator Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ahmad.
The committee will manage economic negotiations and investment projects with Saudi Arabia and ensure quick approval of new initiatives. It includes federal ministers from Commerce, Power, IT, Communication, and Food Security, showing a coordinated policy approach.
A Saudi business delegation, led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al-Saud, will visit Islamabad this week to explore $1 billion in potential investments, focusing on technology, agriculture, and sports industries.
Strategic and Economic Deepening
Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest remittance source and a major energy and financial partner. Riyadh’s recent $1.2 billion deferred oil facility and Pakistan’s request for a $5 billion loan rollover underline their close economic ties.
Officials say these new initiatives, from manpower expansion to AI innovation, represent a shift from aid-based relations to strategic, investment-driven cooperation under the Saudi-Pakistan defence and economic framework.
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