Islamabad
\nThe All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has welcomed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a historic step that will not only bolster security but also unlock unprecedented opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial growth.
\nIn a joint statement, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood and Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi lauded the government\u2019s commitment to strengthening ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing the pact as a \u201cgame-changer\u201d for Pakistan\u2019s economic and geopolitical landscape. They hailed the leadership of Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, for his strategic vision and tireless efforts in ensuring that Pakistan\u2019s defense cooperation is seamlessly aligned with long-term economic stability.
\nSyed Maaz Mahmood said that the agreement, signed with the full endorsement of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflects the depth of brotherhood and trust between the two nations. He noted that the pact\u2019s central provision\u2014that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both\u2014is not just a military guarantee but a foundation of investor confidence, creating a climate where capital inflows, joint ventures, and foreign direct investment can thrive without fear of instability.
\n\u201cEconomic prosperity is impossible without security, and this defense agreement is essentially a shield for our economy. It reassures international investors that Pakistan is a safe and dependable destination for their ventures,\u201d Mahmood observed. He added that the business community sees this accord as a model of \u2018security-for-economic stability\u2019 that will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, and trade.
\nAPBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi underscored that Saudi Arabia is already Pakistan\u2019s largest source of remittances, with over 2.5 million Pakistanis working in the Kingdom and contributing to both economies.
\n\u201cThis agreement will consolidate that bond and encourage new bilateral projects in construction, oil refining, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing. It also opens the possibility of joint special economic zones where Saudi investment and Pakistani expertise can create value-added exports,\u201d he said.
\nQureshi credited COAS General Asim Munir\u2019s leadership for steering Pakistan through turbulent regional dynamics and ensuring that defense cooperation translates into tangible economic dividends. \u201cThe Field Marshal\u2019s vision has been to integrate national security with economic security. This agreement is proof of his statesmanship, as it provides Pakistan with the geopolitical leverage to attract not just Saudi capital but also investment from other Gulf states and global partners who value regional stability,\u201d he added.
\nMaaz Mahmood pointed out that Saudi Arabia\u2019s ambitious Vision 2030 plan offers Pakistan an unparalleled opportunity to align its export industries with the Kingdom\u2019s diversification strategy. From food security to IT services, from skilled labor to industrial technology, Pakistan can be a natural partner in Saudi Arabia\u2019s transformation, provided the right policies are implemented at home.
\nHe expressed full confidence in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which they said has already delivered tangible results, including the approval of Balochistan Bank and a series of reforms aimed at simplifying investment procedures. \u201cWith the defense agreement as a backbone of trust, the SIFC can now attract Saudi investors with confidence that their investments will be protected and supported at the highest level,\u201d Mahmood stressed.
\nMaaz Mahmood urged the Pakistani private sector to prepare itself for this new era of opportunity by upgrading capacity, ensuring compliance with international standards, and building partnerships with Saudi firms. \u201cThe days of short-term thinking are over. This agreement is a strategic guarantee of peace, and it is our responsibility to convert that peace into prosperity for our people,\u201d Qureshi remarked.
\nCalling the pact a \u201cdefining moment,\u201d the APBF president said that Pakistan stands at the threshold of economic revival. They emphasized that unity between government, military leadership, and business community is essential to maximize the dividends of this agreement. \u201cThis is more than just a defense pact; it is a roadmap for shared growth, stability, and regional influence. And for that, the credit goes to the visionary leadership of Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, who has proven once again that Pakistan\u2019s strength lies in the harmony of its security and economy.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has welcomed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a historic step that will not only bolster security but also unlock unprecedented opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial growth. In a joint statement, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood and Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":436990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-504007","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n