The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad has introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens. The new facility aims to make travel easier and strengthen business, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The announcement was made by Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, during a meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik.

The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in the mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. Discussions covered strategic oil storage, refinery upgrades, LPG supplies, and opportunities to facilitate commercial activities.

The introduction of same-day visa processing is expected to make the application process faster for eligible Pakistani travellers. However, applicants should confirm the applicable visa category, required documents, fees, and submission procedures with the Saudi Embassy before applying.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Discuss Stronger Bilateral Relations

During the meeting, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik welcomed the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He said Pakistan deeply values its historic relationship with the Kingdom and remains committed to expanding cooperation across important sectors.

The minister also referred to his recent visit to Riyadh. He said he had conveyed the Pakistani leadership’s special sentiments of solidarity and affection for the Saudi people to Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and commercial ties, particularly in areas that could support energy security and long-term investment.

Saudi Companies May Establish Oil Reserves in Pakistan

One of the key topics discussed was Pakistan’s newly approved tax-neutral bonded policy for the energy sector.

According to the minister, the policy has been developed using international energy hubs such as Fujairah and Singapore as benchmarks.

Under this framework, Saudi companies could establish commercial oil reserves in Pakistan without facing local tax liabilities under the bonded arrangement.

The proposal is intended to create new opportunities for Saudi investment while improving Pakistan’s position as a regional energy and trading hub.

The minister explained that storing oil in Pakistan could help Saudi Arabia diversify maritime transit risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

It could also provide easier access to Asian markets and greater flexibility in managing oil supply routes.

Pakistan Plans Major Petroleum Complex in Hub

The meeting also covered Pakistan’s plan to develop a major petroleum storage and refining complex at Hub in Balochistan.

The proposed project is being developed under the guidance of Technip Energies UK. According to the minister, it has the support of the Prime Minister and the Chief of Defence Forces.

The planned facility is expected to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), which are large vessels used to transport crude oil.

If developed as planned, the complex could strengthen Pakistan’s petroleum storage and refining capacity. It could also improve the country’s ability to handle international energy shipments.

The government sees the project as an opportunity to develop Pakistan into a regional energy corridor serving markets in Central Asia and China.

Cooperation in Petroleum, Mining and Energy

Both countries also discussed further cooperation in petroleum, mining, and energy-related activities.

Areas of interest included refinery upgradation, LPG supplies, strategic oil storage, and commercial engagement between companies from the two countries.

Saudi investment in these sectors could create opportunities for Pakistan to improve its energy infrastructure and attract long-term foreign investment.

The discussions reflect continued efforts by Islamabad and Riyadh to strengthen their economic partnership beyond traditional areas of cooperation.

The same-day visa processing announcement is another step aimed at facilitating travel and closer engagement between the people and businesses of both countries.

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