Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy have agreed to expand cooperation between the two countries in information, broadcasting, media, culture, and public relations. During a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the minister welcomed the ambassador to Pakistan, congratulated him on his diplomatic assignment, and expressed confidence that his tenure would add to the longstanding ties between the two nations. He said relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are reaching new heights, with wide room for cooperation in media, culture, drama, music, tourism, and contact between people, and described a relationship that spans generations and rests not only on diplomatic and political engagement but also on shared history, religious bonds, and strong public connections.
The minister observed that Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable transformation in economic and cultural spheres under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, citing the promotion of tourism in AlUla and the modern presentation of the historical and cultural importance of Diriyah as prominent examples. On cultural diplomacy, Tarar called for joint initiatives, including the introduction of Pakistani television dramas in Saudi Arabia, and said such dramas reflect family values, eastern traditions, and Islamic culture and could bring the people of the two countries closer. He proposed exchanges of delegations made up of writers, poets, artists, musicians, media professionals, and digital content creators, and invited Saudi media representatives, tourists, and digital influencers to visit Pakistan to see its natural beauty and historical heritage. He also recalled the sacrifice of Pakistani national Farman Ali Khan, who lost his life while saving several people during the 2009 floods in Jeddah, saying his bravery reflects the enduring bonds of solidarity between the two peoples.
The technology and information side of the discussion centred on how both countries handle online content. Tarar stressed cooperation to counter misinformation and negative messaging, to improve fact checking mechanisms, and to develop content that reflects the shared cultural values of the two nations, and he proposed a joint working group made up of focal persons and technical teams from both sides to pursue practical cooperation in these areas. He also briefed the ambassador on how Pakistan uses social media influencers for public awareness and for promoting key government initiatives, noting that a social media post about the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme had received more than eight million views. That figure shows the reach that digital platforms now have, and it explains why both governments are interested in working together on how content is produced, verified, and shared with audiences at home and abroad.
The Saudi ambassador described the brotherly relations between the two countries, based on mutual trust, respect, and political and military cooperation, as a matter of pride, and said both sides should work to expand collaboration in cultural events, arts, literature, and media. The minister also pointed to the defence agreement between the two countries as a sign of the strength of their strategic partnership. If the proposed joint working group is formed, it could become a channel for practical steps such as content exchanges, training for media professionals, shared standards for fact checking, and joint promotion of tourism, which would give the agreement reached on Tuesday a concrete form beyond the exchange of good wishes at the meeting.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
