CUI welcomes international applicants for admission to its various degree programs. For this purpose special seats have been reserved for foreign students in each discipline at Islamabad campus. Currently, foreign students from countries like Syria, Iran, ASEAN countries, Afghanistan, Indian part of Kashmir etc are enrolled in different degree programs of CUI. Concrete efforts are also being made by CUI to attract foreign students for admission in CUI for different undergraduate and graduate programs e.g. Middle East and Gulf regions. So to support such efforts, CUI participates at various International Education Expos.

Since the medium of instruction at CUI is English, intending foreign students must show sound knowledge of written as well as spoken English. The academic credentials of foreign students will be examined by the Admission Office to ascertain if they meet Institute's entrance requirements for the selected degree program. If so, provisional admission will be offered subject to clearance from the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan. International students can arrange for clearance either through their Embassy in Pakistan or with the help of the admission Office at CUI.

Applicants may find that their qualifications are not necessarily recognizable by CUI because of differences in educational systems of different countries. Therefore, in addition to transcripts of their latest academic qualifications, they must also submit an equivalence certificate obtained from the inter Board Committee of Chairman (IBCC) while applying for admission. The office of the IBCC is located in the building of Federal Board of Intermediate and secondary Education, Sector H-8/4, Islamabad, Tel: 051-9235017.

The foreign students after getting admission in CUI need to follow guidelines as provided by HEC for issuance /renewal of visa for admission in different academic programs as well. The details of such procedures can be obtained from the HEC website.

Link : http://islamabad.comsats.edu.pk//Admissions/international_students.aspx

<span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Biometric Verification of Bank Accounts of Overseas Pakistanis

Government of Pakistan announced two tax schemes, namely, Foreign Assets (Declaration and Repatriation), Ordinance, 2018 for undisclosed income and domestic assets. However as required by the Constitution, both Ordinance were placed before the Parliament and through Finance Act 2018, these became Voluntary Declaration of Domestic Assets Act, 2018 for undisclosed income and domestic assets and Foreign Assets (Declaration and Repatriation) Act, 2018 for undisclosed foreign assets. These Acts were further amended through Presidential Ordinance on Jun, 30 2018.

The original closing date for filling declaration under the amnesty scheme was June 30 2018. It has been extended till July 31^st, 2018 on account of representations from trade bodies, professional associations and general public due to short operational period after clearing legal and procedural challenges and problems faced by declarants in the payment of tax of foreign assets and repatriation of liquid assets. The Presidential Ordinance date June, 30^th, 2018 amended the amnesty acts to extend the applicability date of the schemes and to include explanations on ambiguities such as exchange rate. The amendment Ordinance have also provided for revision of declaration. 

Public response to the schemes has been positive. So far, 55, 255 declarations have been file in which declared value of foreign assets in around Rs.577 billion and that of domestic assets in around Rs.1, 192 billion. Declarants have paid around Rs.97 billion out of which around Rs.36 billion have been collected on foreign assets and 61 billion on domestic assets. In addition, $ 40 million has been repatriated. This response to the amnesty schemes has been unprecedented.

Amnesty scheme for foreign assets applies to both liquid and immovable assets such as bank account, shares and mortgaged properties. Tax rates range from 2% to 50% depending on the type of asset. Special tax rate of 2% is applicable to liquid assets which are repatriated into Pakistan. The amnesty scheme for domestic assets covers all types of assets and income, with tax rates of 2% and 50%. To protect declarants from any harassment, both scheme under Voluntary Declaration of Domestic Assets Act, 2018 and Foreign Assets (Declaration and Repatriation) Act, 2018 promulgated on 8^th April 2018 which eventually was made part of Finance Act 2018 to ensure complete confidentiality of declarant’s information. Moreover, such information cannot be used as evidence against declarants under any other law.

Finance Minister is closely monitoring the operation of the amnesty schemes and constantly advising both the FBR and SBP for improving payment procedures and ensuring effective facilitation. As per directions of the Finance Minister, FBR has set-up help lines, which operates 24/7 with dedicated telephone lines and e-mails for quick response to queries. FAQs, online user guide and all relevant documents have been published on FBR’s website (www.fbr.gov.pk) which is periodically updated on the basis of queries raised by intermediaries and delclarants. Frequent interaction with private sector including accounting professionals and tax practitioner bodies has been helpful. Similar arrangements have been put in place in SBP. The online user guide provides step by step information regarding registration under the amnesty scheme, procedure for payment of tax and submission of declarations. Officers well versed with the features of the amnesty schemes have been assigned the task of responding to queries. There is also a fully functional IT support team which regularly monitors online IT system. 

For payment of tax on foreign assets, State Bank of Pakistan has devised a procedure, whereby tax in USD is deposited into SBP’s accounts through wire transfer. Government has issued Government of Pakistan’s US Dollar Dominated Amnesty Rules, 2018, whereby SBP has been authorized to issue these bonds having a maturity period of five years and annual profit of 30% to be paid semi-annually. According to the rules, citizens of Pakistan can invest in these bonds out of remittances declared under the foreign amnesty or through encashment of foreign currency accounts held in Pakistan. 

The low rates of the Amnesty Schemes ranging between 2%-5% and is a major incentive for declaring undeclared assets and income. Pakistan has also become a signatory to the OECD Multilateral Convention which all provides access to information about offshore financial accounts of Pakistani residents held in the signatory countries. Necessary amendments have also been made in the Protection of Economic Reform (PERA) Act, 1992, to regulate FX movements and bring it in line with Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Moreover, amendments have been made in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, whereby FBR may inquire about the source of foreign remittance above Rs.10 million and limitation of five years to probe foreign assets and income has been removed. 

Above all, revenues from the amnesty schemes will help in documents to official their assets. Equally critical is to support Pakistan in its endeavour, to reduce poverty and uplift its population which off-course depends on effective prioritization of development spending.                                                                                     ****

The Embassy invites proposals from Individual consultants and validly registered / reputed consultancy firms for provision of consultancy services for specified work as mentioned in the pre-qualification document. Pre qualification documents can be obtained at the payment of SAR 300 from the Embassy during working days from 0800 hours to 1500 hours.

Documents can be submitted as per guidelines provided in the “pre-qualification document” till 03 pm on 09 May, 2018.

(Shahid Iqbal)

Project officer

Construction of housing units

Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Circle No. 8, Diplomatic Quarters   Riyad

Phone: 011-8447272 Ext. 218

INVITATION TO BID

(For supply and Installation of Electric Geysers) 

  The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh invites sealed bids from the original authorized distributors/suppliers for supply and installation of electric geysers. 

.         Bidding documents containing detailed terms and conditions are available at Embassy of Pakistan, Circle, 8 Diplomatic Quarters, Riyadh. Price of the bidding documents is SAR.100.

.         The bids, prepared in accordance with the instructions in the bidding documents, must reach at the Embassy of Pakistan Diplomatic Quarters P.O Box. 94007 Riyadh 11693 by 01 April 2018 till 1200 hours. Bids will be opened the same day at 1230 hours. This advertisement is also available at www.ppra.org.pk. 

Saifullah Khan

Head of Chancery

Embassy of Pakistan, Riyadh

Ph No.00966-11-4807604

Fax No. 00966-11-4887953

Email: parepriyadh@mofa.gov.pk 

Pakistan Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

RFP for Fire Alarm System

Pakistan Embassy, Riyadh would like to invite vendors for Fire Alarm System to submit their proposal for the complete replacement/ extension of existing Fire Alarm system at various buildings of embassy  at its premises that include Chancery and residential buildings,  located at Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Project includes addition of detectors / notification devices wherever deemed necessary based on existing physical structure and partitioning of various facilities such as offices, chancellery and staff residence.

Fire Alarm System should;

<!--[1.       Comply with EN 54-13 ratings

<!--[2.      Origin: Western / European

<!--[3.  Should provide provision to connect with Civil Defense System at Diplomatic Quarters Fire Department

<!--4.   Vendor should offer complete replacement of cabling & Fire Alarm System

<!--5. FA system should comply with User Acceptance Test

<!--6.   Vendor should provide testing & commissioning after installation

<!--7.   Certifications:

a.CE, Vds, CNBOP

<!--8.     Control Panel:

a.     Interconnectivity of up to 32 Panel Controllers, keypad, and OPC Server

b.     Ethernet connectivity

c.      TFT touch-screen of 14.5 cm

<!--9.      Sensors, smoke detectors, heat detectors should be auto-addressable

PART 1.0 GENERAL

Embassy of Pakistan

Riyadh

****

Press Release

 Kashmir Solidarity Day Observed at the Embassy of Pakistan Riyadh

       Expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir and highlighting the gross human rights violations of Indian forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh organized an Inter-School Declamation Competition in its Chancery Hall titled ‘Human Rights Violations – The Case of Kashmir and Palestine’ on 8 February 2018. 

The ceremony which was presided by H.E. Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, was attended by a large number of Pakistani students, journalists, members of Kashmir Overseas Forum and citizens from different walks of life. Twelve participants (six boys and six girls) from the six Pakistani schools in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia participated in the competition and presented their views on the human rights abuses in IOK and Palestine in a very comprehensive and elaborative manner.  During the event, a documentary shedding light on the historic background of the event, struggle of the Kashmiri people and the atrocities being perpetrated by the Indian forces was also screened. It was followed by reading of messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Kashmir Solidarity Day. Speeches were also made on the genesis of the Kashmir issue and struggle of Kashmiri people by distinguished and prominent speakers belonging to Kashmir. 

 Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Pakistan, Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, expressed the strong commitment of the Government of Pakistan to resolve the long outstanding dispute of Kashmir in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people and relevant Security Council resolutions. He urged all students, community members and media personnel for effectively playing their role in bringing forth the Indian atrocities in IOK to international media and other regional/international organizations through all possible means especially the electronic and social media. A just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, is necessary for lasting peace in South Asia. He hoped that those days were not far away when the Kashmiri people will ultimately breath in an atmosphere of serenity and peace.

The ceremony also featured unveiling of an Arabic book titled ‘Kashmir Crises (unresolved Issue of Muslim Ummah) - Opinions & Analysis’, written by a Jordanian author Mr. Omer Al-Armouti, copies of which were also distributed among the participants. 

Request for Proposals

for Renovation & Enlargement of Consular Area

Embassy of Pakistan Riyadh

The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh invites proposals from the construction firms/companies, registered with the government of Saudi Arabia and having the authorization to work in Riyadh diplomatic area. Furthermore, they should be having a minimum of 5 years experience. The firm would be required to:

    1)  Undertake the enlargements/renovation work at the Embassy premises as per drawings and BOQs attached in the tender documents.

2) Submit technical and financial bids related to the work separately. Both bids should be enclosed in a single envelope and sent to the Embassy on the address given in the tender documents.

3) Bidder / Contractor should have similar work experience (within KSA) which should be reflected in the technical bid.

4)  Bidder / Contractor should have proper material supply chain for the material which will be required for the execution of the works.

5) Bidder / Contractor have to complete all work as per given schedule in the bidding documents.

6) Bidder / Contractor should have all Saudi Government certificates to perform the job. 

2.         The method of selection, depending on compliance to the specifications / requirements, will be Quality and Cost Based. Expression of Interest documents containing detailed terms and conditions can be obtained, by payment of processing fees of SR 300/-, from the following address: 

Head of Chancery

Embassy of Pakistan,

Circle 8, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh

Tel: 011-4807604

parepriyadh@mofa.gov.pk

3.         The bids (both technical and financial), prepared in accordance with the instructions in the tender documents, must reach at the above mentioned address by 1200 hrs on 24 February 2018. The technical bids will be opened on 25 February 2018 at 1000 hrs.  This advertisement is also available on PPRA website at www.ppra.org.pk

Saifullah Khan,

Head of Chancery,

Embassy of Pakistan

 Pakistan condemns the missile attack on Saudi Arabia on 19 December 2017. The attack was successfully intercepted by the Saudi led Coalition, by the grace of God Almighty, before it could cause any damage. This was the third missile attack targeted at the Kingdom from Yemen in less than two months.
The increasing frequency and ferocity of the missile attacks, targeted at innocent civilians by Houthi rebels, pose a threat to regional peace and security and is therefore, highly condemnable. Pakistan strongly believes that a political solution to the ongoing Yemen crisis is the only way to ensure regional peace and stability. Pakistan stands firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in confronting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan reaffirms unequivocal support for the Kingdom and reiterates that in case of any violation of its territorial integrity or any threat to Harmain Sharifain, Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Saudi Arabia.


Islamabad
20 December 2017

The US National Security Strategy 2017 released on 18 December has made certain unsubstantiated allegations towards Pakistan. Pakistan rejects such unfounded accusations that belie facts on ground and trivialize Pakistan’s efforts for fighting terrorism and our unmatched sacrifices to promote peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan has long been at the forefront in the fight against regional and global terrorism. It is because of Pakistan’s cooperation with the international community, acknowledged and appreciated by the US leadership, that the Al- Qaeda core was decimated from the region.

In a troubled neighbourhood, Pakistan continues to suffer at the hands of state sponsored terrorism, funded and abetted by our neighbours through proxies. These proxies, consisting of individuals, organizations and intelligence agencies, are working against Pakistan at the behest of regional adversaries.The self-proclaimed guarantors of peace and phony regional powers are pursuing this nefarious game of expansionism to the detriment of regional and global peace. Destabilizing policies and actions by some countries to maintain their hegemony in pursuit of absolute power are responsible for instability in several parts of the world, including ours.

Countries emerge as regional or global powers on the basis of their constructive contributions. It does not fall upon one country to bestow such status on any state. Ironically, a country with a record of defiance of UNSC resolutions, introduction of nuclear weapons in South Asia and use of terrorism as a state policy is being projected as a regional leader. South Asia’s strategic stability is being undermined by India’s unchecked brutalization of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and incessant ceasefire violations targeting innocent civilians.

The Afghan soil, despite substantial US presence, is being constantly used by elements hostile to Pakistan’s stability. Pakistan’s efforts and sincere proposals for effective border management to prevent cross border movement of militants and return of Afghan refugees are yet to make any headway. On the other hand, a malicious campaign is under-way to undo Pakistan’s achievements in the war against terrorism.

Pakistan has consistently emphasised that a political settlement, owned and led by Afghans is the only viable option to end the conflict in Afghanistan.

In recent years, Pakistan’s security forces have undertaken indiscriminate and effective counter-terrorism operations against terrorism and extremism. Thanks to these comprehensive operations, today, Pakistan is a more stable, peaceful and secure country. The success against the menace of terrorism, however, has come at a tremendous cost of blood and treasure, courageously braced by the people of Pakistan.

As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan has put in place, a highly efficient, robust and centralized command and control mechanism to secure its nuclear assets. The safety and security standards of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal are second to no other nuclear state.

Mindful of the fact that the war against terrorism is not yet over, Pakistan remains committed to continue its fight against the sympathisers, financers and abettors of terrorism to ensure that Pakistan’s soil is not used for committing violence anywhere. We expect the same commitment from our neighbours and other regional and global actors.

Pakistan is a country of over 200 million people with strong and robust democratic institutions and highly professional and committed security forces. We also remain committed to protect our sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interest determined by the people of Pakistan.

Islamabad
19 December 2017

Saudi Arabia hosted a Ministerial-level meeting with a seven member delegation of Pakistan, led by the Minister for Defense, His Excellency Engr. KhurramDastgir Khan,on 18 December 2017 at the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment in Riyadh, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries. The Saudi delegation was led by the Minister for Commerce and Investment, His Excellency  Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi.

It may be recalled that the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Saudi Arabia on 27 November 2017, during which he called on His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. During the visit, the leadership of the two countries agreed to initiate steps to further cement bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The Minister for Defense conveyed the best wishes of the Government and people of Pakistan to His Majesty, the King, and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Lauding Saudi Arabia’s visionary leadership, in particular Saudi Vision 2030, he prayed for continued success and prosperity of the Saudi leadership and the people.Thanking the Kingdom for hosting the largest Pakistani community in the region, he appreciated the measures taken by Saudi authorities for the welfare and wellbeing of Pakistani expatriates. Dr. Al-Qasabi reaffirmed the importance attached by Saudi Arabia to its relationship with Pakistan and acknowledged the contribution made by the people of Pakistan to the development of the Kingdom. The two Ministers agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relationship rooted in shared culture and religion.

During the meeting, the two delegations discussed ways and means

 to enhance and deepen bilateral cooperation, in particular in the fields of economy, trade, investment and human resource development. A number of projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy also came under discussion as well as the possibilities for investment in the two countries. They also deliberated on ways to benefit from each other’s expertise, especially in the sectors related to education, health, information technology and science.

Riyadh

18^th December 2017  

The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from the consultant firms/consultants, registered with the government of Saudi Arabia and having the authorization to work in Riyadh diplomatic area. Furthermore, they should be having a minimum of 5 years experience. The firm would be required to

1.      Prepare design layout/specs for renovation/enlargement of a consular hall located in the premises of the Embassy. 

2.    Preparation of BOQs, cost estimate & tender documents including the agreement, complete in all respect, for tender of the civil work. 

3.    Evaluation of contractors and supervision of renovation/enlargement work.

4.   Verification of BOQs, drawings and issuance of completion/other certificates etc. 

2.         The method of selection, depending on compliance to the specifications / requirements, will be Quality and Cost Based Selection. Expression of Interest documents containing detailed terms and conditions can be obtained, by payment of processing fees of SR 200/-, from the following address: 

Head of Chancery

Embassy of Pakistan,

Circle 8, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh

Tel: 011-4807604

parepriyadh@mofa.gov.pk

3.         The expression of interest, prepared in accordance with the instructions in the EOI documents, must reach at the above mentioned address by 1200 hrs on 20 December 2017. The expression will be opened on 21 December 2017 at 1400 hrs.  This advertisement is also available on PPRA website at www.ppra.org.pk.

Saifullah Khan,

Head of Chancery,

Embassy of Pakistan

Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham Bin Saddique called on High Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Riyadh region in his office today. The Ambassador thanked the Governor for receiving him in his Office and conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Prime Minister, the government and the people of Pakistan for success and prosperity of the brotherly government and people of Saudi Arabia. The Governor congratulated the Ambassador on his assumption of the ambassadorial assignment and wished him best of luck and all success during his stay in Saudi Arabia.

  They discussed matters of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom. The Governor offered full support of his Office to the Ambassador for carrying out his assignments in the Kingdom.

       Ambassador also discussed with the Governor matters of Pakistani community in Riyadh region which inter alia included School buildings and welfare related cases of workers. The Governor appreciated the role of Pakistani community in the development of the Kingdom and termed them as one of the most trusted communities by the Saudis. The Ambassador expressed hope for further promoting the bilateral brotherly relations between the two countries.

5 July 2017

On the happy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I, on behalf of the Pakistan Embassy Riyadh and Consulate General Jeddah and my own, extend my warmest  congratulations to the Pakistan nationals living in  the Kingdom, the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia  and all Muslim around the world. I also convey my sincere wishes to Pakistani Diaspora on celebrating this auspicious Day across the globe.

We must thank Allah Almighty for granting us the blessed holy month of Ramadan during which we were provided with an opportunity to worship Him with devotion and sincerity. We pray to Him to accept our collective efforts during Ramadan and bestow His special blessings on us all.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyful and blessed occasion. It is a day where Allah Almighty announces His rewards to all believers who had sincerely strived during the holy month of Ramada in His path for invoking the goodwill of Almighty Allah. It is a day where we bow before Him in all humility.

Our special prayers should also go to those who have been in great difficulties due to conflicts and wars. We should remember in our prayers those men, women and children who have been displaced from their villages, towns or countries. We should also remember the sick and the needy in our supplications before our Lord.

The Pakistan nationals living outside our homeland are our greatest asset. We are committed to their well-being and welfare. On this happy occasion, we should share our happiness and joy with all our nears and dears as well as our countrymen living outside Pakistan.

I pray to Almighty Allah to keep us all happy and our nation united. 

25 June 2017

The Government of Saudi Arabia has started from today Amnesty plan 2017namely “Nation free of violators”. The scheme aims to facilitate exit of illegal foreign nationals to their respective countries. Those who can benefit from the amnesty scheme would include over stayers of Hajj, Umrah and visit visa holders, absconders, expired Iqama holders and persons without residence cards. According to the programme, illegal workers are encouraged to leave Saudi Arabia within three months without any fine or penalty. They can re-enter the Kingdom legally on new work visas. It is expected that thousands of our nationals will benefit from the scheme.

2.In this regard, Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh has made necessary arrangements for assistance and guidance of our nationals living illegally in the Kingdom and to facilitate their exit in smooth manner. The Embassy has cancelled the leaves of its staff members so that every staff member can provide maximum assistance to our nationals.

3. A “Special Help Center” has been established in the Embassy under Community Welfare Wing which can be approached through the following Email, telephone numbers and whatsApp address. The Special Help Centers will also work during weekends.

                  Email Address:           pwfc.pakistan@gmail.com

                  Mobile No.                  00966-533783663

                  WhatsApp.                  00966-533783663

4. In addition to it, the Embassy will facilitate our nationals in the following manners:

    i).    Different Consular teams will visit different regions in the Kingdom for extending help to the Pakistan illegal persons.

      ii).      Embassy will extend expired passports free of cost to all such person swho will be availing facility under the amnesty scheme.

  iii).  The Embassy will also issue Emergency Travel Documents, after due process, to those who do not possess passports to facilitate their exit.

5.  The Embassy has nominated following focal persons for guidance and facilitation in far flung areas of the Kingdom. On the first day of the amnesty, some persons have obtained exit in cities of Hail, Dammam, and Riyadh.

Jubail Region

Mr. Abdul Qadir, Mobile.0582880700 and 0555714516

Al HasaRegion

Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, Mobile 0504938207

Hail Region

Afzal Qamar, Mobile 0507861234

Arrer Region

Mr. Muhammad Ramzan, Mobile 0595902723

TabukRegion 

Mr. Amin Chatrali, Mobile 0507040667

Mujahid Amin, Mobile 0554346898

Buradia and Al Qasim Regions

Mr. Waqas Khan, Mobile 0580024588

Mr. Bakhtair Khan, Mobile 0580024599

Dammam and Al-Khobar Regions 

Raja Imran, Mobile.0598926099

Rana Saghir Ahmad, Mobile No. 0598800113 and 0509093023

6. The Embassy calls upon all Pakistan nationals who are illegal in Saudi Arabia to get maximum benefit from the amnesty period. 

Embassy of Pakistan

29 March 2017

                                               ****

A delegation led by Barrister Amjad Malik, Chairman, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), is on a visit to Saudi Arabia from 29^th December 2016. He is accompanied by Additional Foreign Secretary Dr. Irfan Yusuf Shami. They held meetings with the community in Jeddah, Makkah, Medina and Riyadh.

The Embassy organized an interactive session of the delegation in Riyadh with the members of Pakistan community on 31^st December 2016. The Chairman appraised the participants about the steps being taken by OPF for the benefit of overseas Pakistanis. The Prime Minister has given him instructions to ensure the welfare of expatriate Pakistanis. He urged the participants to benefit from various schemes launched by the Foundation. The employees who get overseas employment through the protectorate of emigration are entitled to the benefits offered by the Foundation.

Members of the community discussed with the delegates matters related to the community including education of their children, health facilities and non-payment of dues to the workers of some companies. They proposed special schemes for overseas Pakistani interested in investing in Pakistan, particularly in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Barrister Malik assured them full support and cooperation of the OPF in this regard.

     The Ambassador welcomed the delegates to the Kingdom. He lauded the contribution of the Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and emphasized the need to give consideration to workers in Saudi Arabia and in the Gulf States while formulating rules and regulations for the overseas Pakistanis.

Riyadh

1^st January 2016 

******

Imam e Kaaba Sheikh Abdullah bin Awad al-Juhany visited Pakistan Embassy on 22 January, 2016. He was invited for a conference on Seerat ul Nabi and launching a book on Seerat ul Nabi. The event was attended by a large number of our community members including professionals, businessmen, Ulema and Mashaikh and students living in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Abdullah was received by Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq and Mr. Abdul Malik Mujahid, owner of Darussalam Book Stores. Prominent members of the community presented the Sheikh bouquets of flowers. Mr. Ali Muhammad Abdu Turab, member of Council of Islamic Ideology,  was also present on the occasion.

In his speech Sheikh Abdullah said the people of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are brothers and the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques and Ulema of Saudi Arabia have great regard for the people of Pakistan. He said the two countries enjoy strong and historical relations. He said the life of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was a blessing and a source of guidance for the entire humanity. He condemned the menace of terrorism and extremism. He prayed for peace and prosperity of Pakistan, for Pak-Saudi friendship and for the martyrs of terrorism in Pakistan.

The Ambassador in his speech thanked the Sheikh for visiting the Embassy and for his kind words about Pakistan. He said that the biggest gathering in the history of the Embassy reflects the love of the people for Haramain Sharifian and for the Imam of Kaaba.

Prayers were offered for the martyr of Charsada incident and for the early recovery for the injured of the terrorist attack.  

Sheikh Abdullah led Isha prayers at the Embassy. Ambassador Manzoor  hosted a dinner in honour of Imame Kaaba at Pakistan House.