Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cooperation in information, broadcasting, media, culture and public relations. The focus is on expanding people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. The understanding came during a meeting on Tuesday between Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy.
Tarar welcomed the ambassador and congratulated him on his diplomatic assignment in Pakistan. He voiced confidence that the envoy’s tenure would further strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries.
The minister said bilateral relations are reaching new heights, with vast room for cooperation in media, culture, drama, music, tourism and public contacts. He added that the relationship spans generations and rests on shared history, religious bonds and strong public connections, not only on diplomatic and political engagement.
Tarar pointed to the strategic partnership between the two nations, noting that the defence agreement reflects the strength of their cooperation in that sector. He also praised the economic and cultural transformation Saudi Arabia has undergone under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As examples of that vision, he cited the promotion of tourism in AlUla and the modern presentation of Diriyah’s historical and cultural significance.
Building on this, he stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and called for joint initiatives, including the introduction of Pakistani television dramas in Saudi Arabia. In his view, such dramas reflect family values, eastern traditions and Islamic culture, which makes them an effective way of bringing the two peoples closer.
To strengthen those ties further, the minister proposed exchanging delegations of writers, poets, artists, musicians, media professionals and digital content creators.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s tourism potential. Tarar invited Saudi media representatives, tourists and digital influencers to visit the country and see its natural beauty and historical heritage.
Recalling the bond between the two peoples, Tarar spoke of Pakistani national Farman Ali Khan, who lost his life while saving several people during the 2009 floods in Jeddah. He said the act of bravery reflects the enduring love, solidarity and brotherhood between the peoples of both countries.
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The talks then turned to shared challenges. The minister stressed cooperation to counter misinformation and negative propaganda, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and develop content that reflects the two countries’ shared cultural values. To pursue this in practice, he proposed a joint working group of focal persons and technical teams from both sides.
Tarar also briefed the ambassador on how Pakistan uses social media influencers to raise public awareness and promote key government initiatives. He said one post on the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme drew more than eight million views.
The Saudi ambassador described the brotherly relations between the two countries as a matter of pride, built on mutual trust, respect, and political and military cooperation. He stressed the need to expand collaboration further in cultural events, arts, literature and media.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
