BankIslami has taken a significant step toward strengthening Saudi-Pakistan relations by hosting a reception dinner in Riyadh in honor of His Excellency Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event gathered leading members of Saudi civil society, business circles, and prominent individuals from the Pakistani diaspora, creating a meaningful platform to reflect on the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
During the gathering, Ambassador Farooq highlighted the nearly eight decades of strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, emphasizing how mutual trust, shared cultural ties, and deep Islamic solidarity have shaped relations over the years. He also acknowledged the vital role of the Pakistani community in the Kingdom, noting how their contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people connections and positively impact bilateral cooperation.
Members of the diaspora expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s dedicated service and the Embassy’s continued support, particularly in facilitating community needs and enhancing diplomatic engagement. Many attendees shared examples of improved channels of communication and the ambassador’s efforts to promote a stronger bridge between the two countries.
Representing BankIslami, Imran H Shaikh extended gratitude to all participants and reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting global Islamic finance and cross-border collaborations. He remarked that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stands as a forward-looking model for nations investing in economic transformation and social development. He noted that such visionary leadership continues to open opportunities for deeper financial and cultural engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Shaikh emphasized that BankIslami remains committed to advancing Islamic banking practices worldwide, focusing on Shariah-compliant financial solutions that bring value to diverse communities. He highlighted that the bank aims to contribute meaningfully to global discussions on ethical finance, financial inclusion, and Riba-free economic models.
The reception concluded with reflections from both Pakistani and Saudi stakeholders on the importance of enhancing cooperation across sectors such as finance, trade, community development, and cultural exchange. Participants agreed that sustained dialogue, shared expertise, and community-driven initiatives are essential for unlocking new avenues of collaboration.
BankIslami reaffirmed its dedication to supporting initiatives that strengthen international ties and promote the global growth of Islamic finance. The institution also reiterated its mission to foster financial solutions that align with Islamic principles and empower communities both in Pakistan and abroad.
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