Pakistan Welcomes Saudi Shura Council Delegation to Boost Parliamentary Ties

On June 23, 2025 a high-level parliamentary delegation of the Shura Council in Saudi Arabia have reached Islamabad to boost the bilateral relations between the two countries that are reported to be brothers. The task force comprises three members led by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the national assembly speaker invited Dr Abdulrahman bin Sanhat bin Abdullah Al-Harbi, the chairman of the Saudi Arabia Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Committee. It involved Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jabreen and Engineer Salem bin Ali Al-Shahrani who were members of the Shura Council too. The meeting of parliamentarians of Pakistan with the visitors Sadiq, as well as other participants of the parliamentary delegations of the country, was more official and the proposal to increase regular meetings of legislators and interactions with each other was agreed. According to one of the statements, these parliamentary contacts will allow the two countries law makers to exchange knowledge, explore experiences of one another and also build on bilateral relations in terms of understanding in the open front.

The strong brotherly links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also been reinstated by improving the parliamentary relations between the two countries. The two nations have performed plenary sessions on extending the exchanges and getting retrained by the Pak-Saudi Friendship Group which is important in the inter-parliamentary harmony agreement. The leadership of Pakistan referred to Saudi Arabia as a close and trustworthy partner that shared the same religion, culture, and history. Pakistan has more than two million Pakistanis in the Kingdom and Saudi Arabia has always been its biggest provider of remittances and source of crutches when the country was in need of economic help such has been the case when Saudi Arabia led in securing a 7 billion IMF bailout. The two parties focused on regional peace, unity among the Muslims, and parliamentary diplomacy. The next steps are organized dialogue, youth and women interactions with MP, cultural and academic cooperation, and the attraction of Saudi investment based on Pakistan Special Investment Facilitation Council in such areas as energy, mining, and industry.

The visit is part of growing parliamentary diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The delegation was warmly received by Pakistani leaders. Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah hosted a luncheon in their honor on June 23, attended by federal ministers, prominent parliamentarians and senior officials. Deputy Speaker Shah praised the “enduring and historic ties” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and called the visit a milestone in strengthening parliamentary bonds. He underscored Pakistan’s pride in the relationship and its commitment to deepen cooperation at the legislative level. Both Pakistani and Saudi representatives agreed that such exchanges help lawmakers from each country learn from one another’s legislative experiences.

The Saudi guests expressed admiration for Pakistan’s legislative system and hospitality. Dr. Al-Harbi thanked his hosts and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s great importance on its friendship with Pakistan. According to official statements, he said Saudi Arabia remains committed to working together with Pakistan for regional peace and development. In recognition of their visit, the Deputy Speaker presented the delegation with commemorative shields as a token of Pakistan–Saudi friendship.

Parliamentary diplomacy as a means of stability and cooperation were both emphasized by the sides at the meetings. They alluded to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on inter-parliamentary cooperation of 2019, stating that there are eight agreed clauses on structured dialogue and exchanges. Dr. Al-Harbi once again emphasized on the importantance of implementing this MoU and it was suggested that the location of the second bilateral parliamentary conference should be Riyadh which will be followed by an introductory workshop on the system of legislation. These are ideas embraced by Pakistani lawmakers. Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who led the Pakistan Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group said that it was planned to formalize the relationship. He suggested frequent bilateral forums by the friendship committee, youth and the Women parliamentarian exchange programs as well as cultural and academic cooperation. He highlighted the need to improve business-to-business connections, namely bring the pending Pakistan GCC free trade agreement to a swift close and route Saudi investment using Special Economic Zones as part of the SIFC. Both the delegations concluded to implement 2019 MoU by undertaking specific engagements and useful strategies. They pledged to proceed with the mutual values and all round bilateral relations in the political, economic, cultural and strategic spheres.

These ties manifest in people-to-people bonds as well. Pakistani authorities praised Saudi Arabia’s continual improvement of the Hajj and Umrah experience for Pakistani pilgrims, reflecting mutual respect in the realm of shared Islamic practice. According to Speaker Sadiq, the “hearts of the people of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan beat in unison,” reflecting the warmth that defines their relationship. In this context, parliamentarians on both sides view their exchanges as contributing to regional unity. Discussions during the visit explicitly touched on the need for Muslim countries to work together, Pakistan and Saudi officials stressed joint efforts for peace and development in a volatile region.

Amid global challenges, Pakistani leaders reiterated their commitment to dialogue and peace. In meetings with the Saudi delegates, Speaker Sadiq noted that “the world today needed peace, not conflict,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to peaceful coexistence. Both parliaments pledged to play a constructive role in the broader Muslim world. Dr. Al-Harbi underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to peace and development alongside Pakistan, stating that the Kingdom and Pakistan will work together for stability in the region. These statements reflect a shared belief that inter-parliamentary cooperation can complement government-level diplomacy, helping shape a more cohesive regional policy in forums like the OIC and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The new visit is regarded by the Pakistani authorities as another pegging point in the strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia. Making the dialogue between the parliaments regular, the lawmakers of both nations are set to enhance legislative understanding and promote harmony among their nations. Pakistani analysts note that this wave of parliamentary diplomacy reinforces ongoing bilateral initiatives—ranging from defense cooperation and economic projects to the opening of new avenues for Saudi investment in Pakistan’s strategic sectors. Other leaders including speaker, Sadiq have expressed hopes that the friendship will bear fruit; more trade, effective security cooperation and support through economic hardship.

The trips and encounters reinforce the fact that Pakistan is keen to maintain its special and trust account with Saudi Arabia. Given that both governments share values and respect each other, the foundation that this delegation has put in place will bear tangible follow-ups. Pakistani parliaments that participated in these visits came out with a renewed mandate to encourage cooperation that they are sure will benefit the national interests of Pakistan, as well as peace in the region, given that they will be dealing directly with Saudi partners.