Punjab, Saudi Arabia discuss boosting halal food exports, with target of over Rs500 billion
LAHORE, Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (WNP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan.
During a meeting with the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, in Lahore on Tuesday, Maryam Nawaz appreciated the ambassador’s diplomatic services.
She described the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.
The meeting discussed opportunities to utilise Punjab’s resources and potential to enhance exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables to Saudi Arabia.
The two sides also deliberated on organising a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment in Punjab and agreed on a target of more than Rs500 billion in exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, potatoes and shrimp.
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab had the potential to become a reliable supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy thanked the Government of Pakistan, its armed forces and the people of Pakistan for their support to Saudi Arabia.
