Islamabad: In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, held a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in urban development, cultural exchange, and investment.
The meeting, described as cordial and forward-looking, centered on promoting Saudi investment in Islamabad’s hospitality sector. Discussions included Saudi Arabia’s interest in establishing high-end hotels in the capital, with targeted meetings reportedly underway between Saudi investors and relevant Pakistani stakeholders.
A key focus of the engagement was a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the Faisal Mosque — an iconic symbol of Pakistan-Saudi relations. The MoU aims to further institutionalize collaboration around the mosque’s preservation and development.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a bond rooted in shared faith and mutual respect. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s openness to Saudi investment, particularly in areas linked to urban planning, tourism infrastructure, and heritage preservation.
Ambassador Al-Malki commended the CDA’s efforts to enhance the capital’s civic amenities and environmental profile, highlighting recent horticultural developments including the “Gardenia Hub” — a newly developed nursery initiative. He noted a visible improvement in the quality of life and urban aesthetics in the city.
In addition to development and investment matters, the meeting also touched on preparations for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming National Day on September 23. Chairman Randhawa assured the ambassador of full support in coordinating celebratory arrangements with relevant government bodies.
Both sides concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to translate diplomatic goodwill into practical cooperation, particularly in sectors that align with Islamabad’s growth and Saudi Arabia’s investment objectives.
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