Pakistan dispatches economic team to Riyadh to unlock investment

September 26, 2025 (MLN): The government has sent a ministerial team to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to advance talks on an economic roadmap, with billions of dollars in potential investment stuck amid disagreements over the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

Sources informed Mettis Global that the delegation, led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), is working on a two-month plan to structure future cooperation. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently in the US, joined the preparatory meetings virtually after signing a landmark defence pact with Riyadh, which officials say could open the door to broader economic ties.

At the heart of the talks is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) framework. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have both sought revisions to Pakistan’s 2021 template, demanding stronger protections and incentives.

The stalemate has delayed planned Saudi inflows, while Riyadh has also voiced displeasure over lingering disputes around Al-Jomaih’s stake in K-Electric, warning that further delays could damage Pakistan’s investment profile.

Still, momentum is building. More than 30 Saudi companies, led by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, are due in Pakistan from October 9–11, with at least six expressing interest in the energy sector. 

Fresh MoUs are expected during the visit, contingent on progress in treaty talks and resolution of existing disputes.

It is important to note that Pakistan’s ability to unlock Saudi capital will depend on restoring investor confidence and delivering credible reforms, key to stabilizing its external finances.

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