ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has called on Jassim M Al-Khaldi, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at the Ministry of Finance and conveyed greetings to the Saudi Ambassador for the Saudi National Day.
During the meeting, it was decided that Saudi Arabia would provide loan of 206 million riyals for Chehlla Bandi road project near Muzaffarabad, which would be repayable in 20 years at 2 per cent charges with five years grace period.
Jassim Al-Khaldi handed over a letter from the Saudi Finance Minister to Ishaq Dar, conveying information about Saudi loan of 206 million riyals for Chehlla Bandi road project near Muzaffarabad. Ishaq Dar thanked the Saudi government, particularly his Saudi counterpart for this gesture.
The minister inquired from the Saudi envoy about the health of King Abdullah. He conveyed to Jassim warm sentiments of the government and people of Pakistan for Khadim Al-Haramain Al-Sharifain. The Saudi charge d’affaires said that King Abdullah was recovering from his illness and his health was gradually improving.
The minister also briefed the Saudi envoy about the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb. He said the whole Pakistani nation in unison with the armed forces had a resolve to carry this operation to a conclusive end. He said the war on terror had taken a heavy toll on Pakistan’s economy and the overall losses had already surpassed a100 billion dollars. A large number of people were displaced due to the ongoing operation and hefty resources were needed for rehabilitation of the TDPs. Jassim, on this occasion, said Saudi Arabia shared Pakistan’s strong feelings on countering terrorism. Saudi Arabia was always by Pakistan’s side to extend a helping hand.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged Saudi support to Pakistan for success of its efforts to curb militancy.
