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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unwavering financial and diplomatic support to Pakistan and declared Saudi assistance for Pakistan’s IMF program as an important element.
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Kachhi Canal restoration project, which was damaged by the 2022 floods, the prime minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent advocacy for Pakistan, whether on the Kashmir issue, at the United Nations, or in the UN Security Council. He also acknowledged the Kingdom’s recent financial assistance that helped Pakistan secure an IMF program.
“Such hostility is an unforgivable crime,” he stated. “As the prime minister, I declare that any hand attempting to undermine Pakistan-Saudi ties will be stopped. This is no trivial matter. Such baseless allegations sacrifice our national interests for short-term political gains,” he said, after inaugurating the project, which will irrigate over 715,000 acres of land in Balochistan and revitalize areas devastated by floods.
Addressing the event attended by federal ministers Attaullah Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Awais Leghari, and Dr. Musaddik Malik, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, the prime minister lauded Saudi Arabia’s 77 years of unconditional support to Pakistan. He noted that the Kingdom’s leadership was encouraging investment in Pakistan, with agreements worth billions already signed.
Commenting on remarks made by the spouse of PTI’s founder regarding Saudi Arabia, he said, “There can be no greater hostility toward Pakistan than this.” He criticized the ignorance and recklessness of such statements, warning of the damage caused by these “venomous” words.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also recalled Saudi Arabia’s generous support after Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998, including free oil and financial aid. He noted that the Kachhi Canal project was initiated in 1998 during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, faced delays under Pervez Musharraf, and was completed in Sharif’s second tenure. He praised WAPDA, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and their teams for restoring the project and pledged federal support for its second phase.
Additionally, the prime minister commended Balochistan’s chief minister for prioritizing merit-based governance and solarizing tube wells. He also praised Punjab’s chief minister for initiatives like the cancer hospital project, free tractors for farmers, and reforms in education and health sectors.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her address, highlighted the canal project’s potential to bring prosperity to Balochistan and strengthen provincial ties. She credited the PML-N government for launching major public welfare projects such as motorways, youth scholarships, and modern transportation. She also criticized PTI’s calls for marches, describing them as failed attempts to disrupt progress.
Maryam Nawaz condemned remarks by the PTI founder’s spouse about Saudi Arabia, labeling them dangerous. She also criticized acts by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister, which she said were disruptive to national unity.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti praised Punjab for its inclusivity, offering opportunities for people from all provinces. He urged the federal government to support the second phase of the canal project, which could be completed within months.
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the federal government’s commitment to Balochistan’s development through increased funding and a larger share in the national development portfolio.
