PAKISTAN enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by strong bonds of affinity, mutual respect and solidarity, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia hosts more than 2 million expatriate Pakistan community, which acts as strong bridge of friendship between the two countries. This community is making valuable contributions in the economic development of Saudi Arabia. They also help in the economic progress of Pakistan. Expatriates from Pakistan are engaged in various professions, from hard working labor to teachers, bankers, engineers, doctors and auditors. They sent $5.6 billion worth remittances (one third of total remittances) to Pakistan last year. A large number of professionals such as doctors, engineers and auditors from Pakistan have earned good reputation for their professionalism and hard work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Expatriate Pakistanis reside all over Saudi Arabia. To provide them consular services at their doorsteps, the Embassy and Consulate General of Pakistan dispatch consular teams on weekends to various cities and far flung areas. For the community the Embassy and Consulate arrange cultural events. On Dec. 11 Sindhi folk singer Tufail Sangrani was invited to Saudi Arabia. The Indus Culture Forum in collaboration with the Embassy arranged folk music show in the Embassy where Sangrani entertained the Pakistan community with his enchanting folk songs and traditional music. On Jan. 1, cultural musical show was organized in which Pakistani artist and singer Sheraz Uppal gave performance. On Jan. 14, "Mushaira" was held in the Embassy and renowned Urdu poet, drama writer and lyricist Amjad Islam Amjad was invited from Pakistan. He enthralled the audience with his poetry and shared his views on history of Urdu literature and its development. On Jan. 18, Imama Kaba Dr. Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany visited the Embassy. A large number of community members came to listen to him. Imam delivered speech highlighting the teachings of Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. A mega cultural show is being organized by the Embassy on March 25 in the King Fahd Culture Center in which famous Pakistani singer Rahim Shah with his band will perform. Rahim Shah is widely liked because of his enchanting voice and his linguistic skills. He sings in various languages like Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu. Besides daily services to the community, a weekly Open House (Kuly Kachary) is held in the Embassy once a week where the Ambassador listens to complaints of community members and tries to redress their problems.
