KARACHI, 9 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Saudi Pakistan Joint Business Council on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Private Equity Fund, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic cooperation and promoting investment between the two brotherly countries. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Karachi, Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud said that the longstanding friendship and brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were much stronger than any formal agreement, adding that the proposed fund would provide a solid commercial foundation to their enduring relationship. Describing Pakistan as a natural partner for the Kingdom, he said Saudi investors were actively looking for reliable partners and promising markets where they could invest and grow with confidence. Prince Mansour said that a closer assessment of Pakistan had revealed a more stable economy and genuine investment opportunities. He emphasized that joint investments alongside Pakistani partners would transform years of research and consideration into practical initiatives, benefiting people in both countries and laying the foundation for a lasting economic partnership. Chairman of Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib, described the proposed fund as a strong expression of confidence in Pakistan’s profitable investment opportunities. He said longstanding perceptions about Pakistan had often overshadowed economic realities, adding that the agreement demonstrated the willingness of serious investors to take practical steps based on the country’s actual potential. He further stated that Pakistani investors were playing an active role in strengthening confidence in the national economy, while Saudi partners were joining them in exploring investment opportunities. He noted that directing capital towards the government’s land bank monetization programme could help transform underutilized assets into productive investments. Arif Habib also thanked Prince Mansour and representatives from both countries for their time, patience and commitment in making the initiative possible, describing the agreement as an important first step towards restoring the confidence of Saudi and other foreign investors in Pakistan. Under the MoU, a proposed joint private equity fund worth hundreds of millions will be established, with its future size expected to expand according to investment opportunities across various sectors. Saudi and Pakistani private investors will contribute equally to the fund, while 75 percent of its investments will be directed towards projects in Pakistan and the remaining 25 percent towards projects in Saudi Arabia. The fund intends to invest in rapidly growing private-sector businesses, particularly in agriculture, mining, construction and other industries. It will also explore commercial opportunities emerging from the Government of Pakistan’s land bank monetization programme, including projects related to airports, motorways, ports and maritime sector development. The initiative is expected to strengthen bilateral investment cooperation, encourage private-sector participation and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth in both countries.