ISLAMABAD, Monday, February 23, 2026 (WNP): The Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday hosted a Ramadan Iftar dinner, bringing together senior political leaders, diplomats, religious scholars and members of civil society in a display of longstanding Pakistan–Saudi ties.

The event was hosted by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, who, along with Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Al-Ali, received the guests.

Among the prominent participant was Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. The gathering was also attended by Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan, Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Tallal Badar, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Member of the National Assembly Khurram Dastgir Khan, along with parliamentarians, diplomats, senior bureaucrats, journalists, business leaders and representatives of the trade community.

During the Iftar, Chairman Senate Gilani and Ambassador Al-Malki held detailed discussions on Pakistan–Saudi bilateral relations, the regional and global situation, challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and avenues for expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and agreed to enhance collaboration in diverse fields. Chairman Senate Gilani conveyed his best wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and emphasized that Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Saudi Arabia. He said the religious, cultural and strategic bonds between the two countries continue to deepen, reflecting mutual trust and solidarity.

Ambassador Al-Malki stated that Saudi Arabia accords special importance to its relations with Pakistan. He noted that the two brotherly countries have consistently supported each other’s positions and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand.

The guests were served traditional Arabic cuisine at the Iftar, reflecting Saudi cultural hospitality during the holy month of Ramadan. The gathering underscored the enduring partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh and their shared commitment to cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.