Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday called for the establishment of a Saudi consulate in Peshawar and the launch of direct Saudi Airlines flights between the provincial capital and Madinah.
Kundi made the proposals during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki at Governor House Peshawar.
The governor received the ambassador on his arrival and briefed him on the history, culture and geographical importance of Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The two sides discussed relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Kundi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were linked by strong religious, historic and diplomatic ties.
“The hearts of the Pakistani people beat with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The governor said a large number of people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were working in Saudi Arabia, including many serving in areas associated with the two holy mosques.
He said the establishment of a Saudi consulate in Peshawar would facilitate residents of the province, particularly workers, pilgrims and businesspeople seeking consular services.
Kundi also called for direct flights from Peshawar to Madinah, saying improved air connectivity would benefit passengers travelling for religious and employment purposes.
The governor briefed the ambassador on the province’s natural resources and investment potential.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had significant reserves of oil, gas and minerals and was supplying low-cost electricity to the national grid.
Kundi also highlighted the province’s tourism and archaeological potential, particularly the ancient Gandhara civilisation and its historic sites in and around Peshawar.
He said closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia could help attract investment in energy, minerals, tourism and infrastructure.
Ambassador Al-Maliki thanked the governor for the hospitality extended to him at Governor House.
He said the Saudi government and people valued their friendship with Pakistan and praised Kundi’s efforts to promote a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During the visit, the ambassador toured different sections of Governor House and watched a traditional regional dance performance.
He also recorded his impressions in the official guest book.
At the conclusion of the visit, Kundi presented the ambassador with a gift featuring traditional woodwork from Dera Ismail Khan.
Reporter: Malik Rahman