ISLAMABAD: Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki has commended the efforts of Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail to facilitate direct travel between Quetta and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a statement released by the governor’s office on Thursday.
The meeting, held in Islamabad, highlighted discussions on bilateral ties, regional developments, investment opportunities, and the prospect of easing mobility for Balochistan’s residents—particularly religious pilgrims, workers, and entrepreneurs who currently face hurdles traveling via other cities like Karachi or Islamabad.
The Saudi envoy’s appreciation of the governor’s personal initiatives marks a notable development in Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement with Pakistan’s provinces, especially Balochistan, which is increasingly recognized for its geostrategic and economic importance in regional trade and energy corridors.
According to the statement, the two sides also reaffirmed the deep-rooted and cordial relationship between the “two brotherly Islamic nations,” and discussed matters of mutual interest tied to political and economic cooperation.
“Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki appreciated Governor Mandokhail’s personal efforts to facilitate direct travel from Quetta to Saudi Arabia for the people of Balochistan,” the statement read.
While no formal timeline or agreement on the travel route was announced, the ambassador’s comments signaled Saudi Arabia’s willingness to ease access for Balochistan’s citizens—many of whom contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s labor force and religious pilgrimages.
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The governor, in turn, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for Pakistan:
“History bears witness to Saudi Arabia’s special support for Pakistan during every difficult time,” Mandokhail noted.
The interaction comes amid Saudi Arabia’s renewed interest in expanding investment across Pakistan’s key sectors—including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure—with Balochistan poised to benefit from future Saudi-backed projects.
Saudi financial assistance has also played a critical role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, particularly during times of fiscal pressure and foreign exchange shortages.