Islamabad — November 3, 2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar met with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Rajih bin Thami Al-Baqmi, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in information, broadcasting, media, culture, and public relations.
The Federal Minister warmly welcomed the Saudi Ambassador and congratulated him on his appointment to Pakistan, expressing confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the longstanding relations between the two brotherly countries.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to explore new opportunities for cooperation in media, cultural activities, drama, music, tourism, and public relations. Attaullah Tarar said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were reaching new heights and were rooted not only in diplomatic and political ties but also in shared history, religious values, mutual trust, and strong people-to-people connections spanning generations. He described the Mecca Defence Agreement as an important reflection of the strong strategic and defence partnership between the two countries.
The Federal Minister appreciated the remarkable economic and cultural transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He highlighted initiatives to promote tourism in AlUla and present the historical and cultural heritage of Diriyah through modern approaches as prominent examples of the Saudi leadership’s vision.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural cooperation, Attaullah Tarar proposed joint projects and exchanges of delegations comprising writers, poets, artists, musicians, media professionals, and digital content creators. He also stressed the need to introduce Pakistani dramas to Saudi audiences, noting that Pakistani television dramas reflect family values, Eastern traditions, and Islamic culture.
The Minister also recalled the sacrifice of Pakistani citizen Farman Ali Khan, who lost his life in 2009 while rescuing several people during floods in Jeddah. He described his bravery as a lasting symbol of love, brotherhood, and solidarity between the peoples of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting Pakistan’s tourism potential, the Federal Minister invited Saudi media representatives, tourists, and digital influencers to visit Pakistan and explore its diverse natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.
The meeting also discussed cooperation to counter misinformation and negative propaganda, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms, and develop digital content reflecting the shared cultural and social values of both countries. Attaullah Tarar proposed establishing a joint working group comprising focal persons and technical teams from both sides to advance these objectives.
The Federal Minister also briefed the Saudi Ambassador on government initiatives to engage social media influencers in public awareness campaigns and the promotion of key government policies. He noted that a social media post about the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme had received more than eight million views.
The Saudi Ambassador reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing their mutual trust, respect, and political and military cooperation as a matter of pride. He emphasized the need to further expand collaboration in cultural events, arts, literature, and media.
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and exploring new avenues of partnership, further deepening the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.