Pakistan enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by strong bonds of affinity, mutual respect, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia hosts around 2.6 million expatriate Pakistan community that serves as a bridge of friendship between the two countries. This community is making valuable contribution in the economic development of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Expatriates from Pakistan are engaged in different professions, from hard working labor to teachers, bankers, engineers, doctors and auditors. A large number of Pakistanis 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 and all other possible assistance. The Embassy and Consulate General of Pakistan dispatch consular teams on to various cities and far flung areas. The Embassy and Consulate teams visited workers' camps in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Taif and extended them all possible help and assistance. Hundreds of Pakistani workers were provided with food and medical assistance. In order to help our workers, "Pakistan Workers Facilitation Center" was set up. Claims of the workers were filed in the labor courts and pursued. Moreover, Prime Minister of Pakistan announced cash amount of Rs. 50,000 for each family of affected Pakistani workers. The Embassy and Consulate also arranged cultural events for the community. A mega cultural show was organized by the Embassy on March 25, 2016 in the King Fahd Culture Center in which famous Pakistani singer Rahim Shah with his band performed. Rahim Shah is widely liked because of his enchanting voice and his linguistic skills. He sings in different languages like Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu. On Dec. 11 2015, Sindhi folk artist Tufail Sangrani visited the Embassy. The Indus Culture Forum in collaboration with the Embassy arranged cultural show. Here Sangrani entertained the audience with his enchanting songs and traditional music. On Jan. 1, a cultural show was organized in which Pakistani Sheraz Uppal, the famous artist, 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 meet and listen to him. Imam delivered speech highlighting the teachings of Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. Besides daily services to the community, a weekly Open House (Kuly Kachary) is held in the Embassy where the Ambassador meets the community members and help them resolving their problems. This is the foremost priority of the present government of Pakistan to extend all possible assistance to the community. Both of our Missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are leaving no stone un-turn to help the community.
