Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Pakistan Executive Group (PEG) Jeddah, a non-profit, non-political Group of about 75 senior executives of Pakistani origin working in Saudi Arabia under the patronage of the Consulate General of Pakistan, hosted a farewell party for the outgoing Pakistani Ambassador Khan Hisham Bin Siddique at the Hilton Hotel recently.

Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador gave a very enlightening and comforting talk on the depth of Saudi-Pak relations in the fields of defense, security, business activities etc.

He mentioned the recent economic package and oil facilities provided by the Saudi side to Pakistan and the desire of the Saudi side to establish a refinery in Pakistan and to work in the area of mineral exploration and agricultural sectors etc. Joint Ministerial Meetings are restarted and is a regular happening and Saudi delegation visits are in the pipeline.

He also stated that the Saudi leadership at the highest level has love and respect for Pakistan and appreciates the sincere role of Pakistanis in the development of Saudi Arabia.

He did, however, mention the need to broaden the business and trade and economic relations between the Saudi-Pak private sectors, which currently does not reflect the close strategic relations between the two sides.

He commended the contribution of PEG members towards the DAM Fund established by the chief justice of Pakistan and the appeal made by the prime minister.

Guest of honor Shehryar Akbar Khan praised Khan Hisham Bin Siddique leadership and sincere efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pak relations in all fields, in his speech.

He also stated that more than 2 million Pakistanis and same number of pilgrims are handled by Pakistan missions in Saudi Arabia which is the largest number of expatriate Pakistanis anywhere in the world. He said, only 250 staff is available for this purpose in the missions.

Earlier the program began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Imran Rana.

Dr. Mansour Memon, an established social icon, moderated the entire proceedings of the event in an organized way. He in a very poetic yet assertive way described the executive group’s influence and positive impact on Investment opportunities in Pakistan.

PEG President (acting) Dr. Mobashir Sheikh in his welcome speech gave an introduction about the seven-member Executive Committee structure and functioning of PEG under the auspices of Consul General of Pakistan Jeddah.

He highlighted the role of PEG in promoting interactive dialog between the Saudi and Pakistan business and professional leaderships and mentioned the names of several prominent Saudi and Pakistani business and professional leaders who were invited by PEG, over the years.

He also described the role of PEG in establishing schools and scholarships in Pakistan and arranging social activities for PEG members and their spouses.

Sheikh wished good luck and best wishes to ambassador, on behalf of PEG, in his future endeavors.

Dr. Memon then conducted a lively Q&A session and closed the session formally by saying, “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”