Caretaker PM lauds support from UAE and Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar, on his second day in office, held a series of meetings predominantly with Baloch leaders, as well as engaging with ambassadors from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Dawn.com, former provincial ministers Mir Sarfraz Chakar Domki, Agha Shakeel Durrani, Nawab Jangayz Khan Marri, and ex-senator Saif Magsi met with the caretaker premier separately.

The reports said that a delegation consisting of elders from the caretaker PM’s Mehtar Zai tribe also extended their congratulations and well-wishes on his assumption of office.

Read More: Blinken applauds Kakar, affirms support for Pakistan’s democracy

Meanwhile, during the meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malki, the caretaker PM said that the recently formed Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) would continue its efforts to pave the way for increased foreign investments, especially from Saudi Arabia. The key areas of collaboration were focused on energy, infrastructure, agriculture, information technology, and human resources.

H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called on caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/vMZBOhllv2

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) August 16, 2023

Media reports stated that in response, the Saudi ambassador offered felicitations on behalf of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, underscoring the strong bonds and longstanding partnership between two countries.

The prime minister expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia for their ongoing support and requested continued facilitation for Pakistani expatriates.

In a separate meeting, the caretaker PM met with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi. They discussed boosting bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as trade, investment, and energy. The UAE’s support for Pakistan’s economic and financial stability was acknowledged by the premier, who also thanked the UAE leadership for the warm messages, as reported by Dawn.com.

Meanwhile, the prime minister looked forward to Pakistan’s continued collaboration with the UAE and wished the country success in hosting the COP28 Summit later in the year. He acknowledged the vital role played by the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and requested ongoing support from the UAE government for this community.

H.E Mr. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, called on caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar today. pic.twitter.com/qLAGTMUr3h

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) August 16, 2023

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated caretaker PM as he assumed office.

Blinken took to his X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his feelings and underscored the significance of joint commitment to economic growth. He also highlighted Pakistan’s readiness for constitutionally-aligned, free and fair elections, all while upholding the principles of free speech and assembly.

Congratulations to new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister @anwaar_kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections, in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 16, 2023