Saudia Signs Agreements to Boost Pakistan’s Health and Energy Sectors

ISLAMABAD — Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Pakistan’s development, signing agreements worth \$121 million to finance major healthcare and renewable energy projects. The deals were finalized under the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both nations.

Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, highlighted the historic, religious, and cultural bonds between the two nations, describing them as a partnership built on mutual trust and shared aspirations.

“This event demonstrates the depth of friendship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, reflecting our shared vision for prosperity and progress,” Al-Malki said, reaffirming that under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia will stand by Pakistan “in every circumstance.”

Al-Malki also extended warm Independence Day greetings, praising the Pakistani nation’s unity, resilience, and sacrifices.

The newly signed agreements cover three key projects:

• King Salman Hospital in Tarlai, Islamabad – Funded through a $20 million grant to enhance healthcare delivery.
• Shounter Hydropower Project, Azad Jammu & Kashmir – Backed by a $66 million concessional loan to boost renewable energy capacity.
• Jagran Hydropower Project, Azad Jammu & Kashmir – Supported by a $35 million concessional loan to improve energy infrastructure.

Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division, hailed Saudi Arabia as a strategic development partner, noting that the Kingdom’s assistance spans healthcare, infrastructure, and energy.

“These projects will directly benefit thousands of Pakistanis, generate economic opportunities, and strengthen our bilateral cooperation,” Niaz remarked.

Dr. Saud Alshammari, SFD’s Director General of Operations in Asia, emphasized that the Kingdom has already provided $533 million in grants for 23 projects and $1.2 billion in concessional loans for 21 projects in Pakistan.

“These agreements represent a major step toward sustainable growth in Pakistan’s priority sectors of health and renewable energy,” Alshammari said, pledging continued alignment with Pakistan’s national development strategies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ceremony concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic, cultural, and strategic ties, ensuring that the projects deliver long-term benefits for Pakistan while deepening one of the region’s most enduring partnerships.