Pakistan PM to visit Riyadh for key investment summit as nation seeks foreign capital

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit from October 27 to 29 at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, officials said Sunday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Shehbaz will lead a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with senior cabinet members. The visit aims to strengthen Pakistan’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and human resource development.

During his stay in Riyadh, Shehbaz will participate in the Ninth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) — a global forum bringing together political leaders, investors, and innovators. The event, themed “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth,” will focus on innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and geopolitical challenges shaping the world economy.

The prime minister is expected to meet with Saudi leaders to review existing collaborations and explore new areas of strategic partnership. He will also hold talks with other world leaders and heads of international organizations attending FII9 to highlight Pakistan’s investment potential and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.

Officials described the trip as part of Pakistan’s broader push to strengthen economic diplomacy, attract foreign investment, and promote innovation-driven development amid growing global competition.

According to official records, Shehbaz has made 34 foreign visits between March 2024 and October 2025. Saudi Arabia has been his most frequent destination, followed by China, the United States, and Egypt.

A detailed report seen by Nukta showed that the prime minister’s travels primarily focused on expanding economic cooperation, securing investment commitments, and strengthening diplomatic engagement.

President Asif Ali Zardari, by comparison, made three official trips abroad during the same period.

The frequency of Sharif’s visits has sparked debate within Pakistan’s political and public circles over their cost and effectiveness.

Critics question whether the diplomatic outreach has delivered tangible economic results for the struggling South Asian nation.

The visits also come after a brief but intense four-day military confrontation between Pakistan and India in May and amid ongoing tensions in Gaza, which continue to dominate regional and global diplomacy.