By Dr Lubna Farah
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia is marking its 96th National Day today on Wednesday under the theme “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” commemorating the unification of the Kingdom while highlighting decades of state-building, development and economic transformation.
The occasion has particular significance in Pakistan, where Saudi Arabia maintains longstanding political, strategic, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.
To mark the day, Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, Naif bin Mlafakh, is hosting a National Day reception bringing together Pakistani officials, diplomats, distinguished guests and civil society representatives.Speaker National Assembly was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Saudi National Day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. The recapture of Riyadh in 1902 laid an important foundation for the subsequent consolidation of the Saudi state.
Over the decades, Saudi Arabia developed administrative, educational, security and public-service institutions while expanding infrastructure, healthcare and education. The development of petroleum resources subsequently accelerated economic growth, urbanisation and national development.
Today, Saudi Vision 2030 represents the central framework for the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation. The programme focuses on diversifying the economy, developing non-oil sectors, attracting investment, promoting tourism and culture, strengthening human capital and encouraging technology and innovation.
Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi people on the occasion.
In his message, the prime minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s development and modernisation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with the Kingdom.
Pakistan-Saudi relations encompass defence and security, trade, investment, energy, employment, education, religious and cultural links. Defence cooperation remains an important component, while economic engagement is gaining prominence amid Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment and expand international economic partnerships.
The two countries also share extensive people-to-people links, including a large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
The 96th National Day therefore provides an opportunity to reflect on Saudi Arabia’s historical journey while highlighting its ambitions for future transformation. It also underscores the enduring Pakistan-Saudi partnership and potential for expanded cooperation in investment, trade, energy, technology, infrastructure and human-capital development.
