A grand ceremony was held in Lahore in connection with the 95th Saudi National Day, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The event, hosted by the Saudi Embassy, brought together leading dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).
The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional displays, and exhibitions reflecting Saudi heritage. The event highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and reaffirmed their shared values of faith, fraternity, and cooperation.
The significance of this ceremony lies in the fact that it comes right after the Pakistan and Saudi defence pact that has catapulted the bilateral relations between the two countries to greater heights.
Governor of Punjab, Mr. Salim Haider Khan, attended the ceremony and emphasized the significance of the defence and diplomatic accords binding the two countries. He emphasised that the partnership continues to play a vital role in ensuring regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lives in the heart of every Pakistani.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, His Excellency Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strong commitment to further strengthening relations with Pakistan in areas of defence, trade, culture, and education. He stressed that the bond between the two brotherly nations goes beyond diplomacy, rooted in shared values and a common vision for development.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed was a visible and warmly welcomed presence at the celebrations, where he was accorded high respect by the hosts. His new tenure at IIUI was praised as a harbinger of constructive change, that further foregrounds the importance of cultural and academic exchanges, accentuating the university’s role as a bridge of cross-cultural understanding and a catalyst for stronger ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The evening concluded with prayers for the continued prosperity, unity, and security of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, symbolizing once again the depth of their historic partnership.