Pervaiz Mughal
A new era in Pakistan-Saudi relations has begun. Every year, on September 23, Saudi Arabia’s National Day is celebrated with great dignity and as a historic moment, reflecting the unity of the Saudi state. This year, Saudi Arabia’s National Day will be celebrated with the theme that pride is in our nature. This is a manifestation of what is characteristic of Saudi Arabia’s culture, heritage and natural environment.
It should be noted that in 1932, on the same day, 21 Jumada al-Awwal 1351 AH, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud announced the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by uniting all parts of the kingdom.
The establishment of Saudi Arabia came into being as a result of a decree issued by Britain in 1932, and King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, united the regions of Najd and Hejaz to form a new kingdom.
This is the day when King Abdulaziz (may Allah be pleased with him) united different tribes under one flag and founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On this day, the establishment of Saudi Arabia will be 94 years and there will be a celebration. Saudi citizens will celebrate on this occasion across the length and breadth of the kingdom.
In the past 94 years, Saudi Arabia has set an example in the fields of economic development, culture, education, technology and sports that the whole world envies. After King Abdulaziz, his sons took over the country with great effort and sincerity, and under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has reached new heights of development under Vision 2030.Saudi Arabia not only provided the best education and facilities to its citizens, but also provided scholarships and educational opportunities to students from all over the world, including Pakistan.
For the first time, Saudi Arabia celebrated its National Day in 1965. At that time, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz was the ruler of the kingdom. However, since 2005, a public holiday has been observed on this day since the time of King Abdullah. According to Arab media, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 95th National Day on September 23 with full national enthusiasm. A public holiday was declared for citizens and foreign residents in accordance with the National Day. Special events will be held in major cities including Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, and important buildings will be illuminated with green lights. Saudi Arabia’s National Day is celebrated every year on September 23.
This year, the importance of Saudi Arabia’s National Day in Pakistan has increased further because a few days ago, during the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia, a ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement’ was signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on September 18, under which aggression against either country will be considered aggression against both countries.
The joint statement said that in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif signed a strategic mutual defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both countries to enhance their own security and achieve security and peace in the region and the world, which aims to promote defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen common defense and security against any aggression.
Remember that Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times, the brotherly Islamic country also supported us for the current crisis and the IMF package.
Be it natural disasters or difficult times, Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan. From helping the victims of floods and earthquakes to Hajj arrangements, Saudi Arabia has set an example everywhere. Modern technology and excellent facilities have provided ease and security to the pilgrims in the recent Hajj season.
Relief supplies were sent by the King Salman Aid and Relief Center of Saudi Arabia for the flood victims. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed al-Maliki handed over the relief supplies to the Government of Pakistan. On the occasion of Saudi National Day, it is also important to mention that Saudi Arabia’s services to Islam and the Muslim Ummah are immense. Especially for the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Gaza, awakening the world, as well as the world of Islam, and playing a leading role in their restoration in every possible way, and especially getting European countries to vote in favor of the Palestinians in the United Nations, are the hallmarks of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi leadership has played a key role at the global level by utilizing its God-given abilities. The sovereignty of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a state are indispensable for lasting peace in the region.
The Government of Pakistan pays tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman for their assistance to the flood victims.
The use of modern technologies and modern services in Hajj 2025 played an important role in creating a peaceful environment for the safety of pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and comfortable manner.
Through the Road to Mecca project, customs and immigration of Hajj pilgrims are done in Pakistan. Under this project, pilgrims are exempted from customs and immigration at Saudi airports.
Digital technology is of great importance in all sectors of Saudi Arabia in the future.
The Digital Forum can prove to be an important breakthrough for the economy. There is a great need to increase cooperation in the field of technology between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The government of Pakistan has announced that Saudi investors should take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Saudi investors will be provided with a friendly environment for trade in Pakistan. The alliance of the two countries can enlighten the defense and economic relations of the two countries in a new dimension.This day was not only the beginning of a new era, but also a promise to transform the tribes and regions of the Arabian Peninsula into a strong and unified state, which later changed the history of the entire region.
King Abdulaziz’s leadership vision and unparalleled determination and courage began this journey with the conquest of Riyadh on 5 Shawwal 1319 AH / 15 January 1902. This first victory of his as a young chieftain was not only the foundation of his political future but also proved to be an important milestone in the recovery of his heritage.
This historic moment was the beginning of the establishment of the Saudi state, which eventually led to the unification of other regions of the Arabian Peninsula under the leadership of King Abdulaziz.
The conquest of Mecca in 1924 and Medina in 1925 are major examples of his conquests and achievements. This was the time when King Abdulaziz proved himself to be a successful conqueror and a ruler who laid the foundation of the kingdom. On September 23, 1932, he declared the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, citing his hard work and sacrifices.
There is a deep historical connection between National Day and Foundation Day. Foundation Day, which is celebrated every year on February 22, is the celebration of the first establishment of the Saudi state, which began in 1727 under the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud. This day provides an opportunity to remember the strength of the roots of the Saudi state and its historical background, while National Day is the day on which the unity of the state was declared.
The Saudi green flag, which bears the Kalima Tayyaba ofلا الہ الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ, is a manifestation of the spiritual and military power of the state. This flag was officially adopted on March 11, 1937, and the slogan and the symbol of the sword on it reflect the dignity and justice of the Saudi state.
The national anthem of Saudi Arabia, officially adopted in 1984, is an expression of the leadership of King Abdulaziz and the patriotism of the Saudi people. The words of the poet Ibrahim Khafaji and the music of Siraj Omar have made it a masterpiece that is the heartbeat of every Saudi and is sung with great pride on every important occasion.
Under the leadership of King Abdulaziz, the kingdom embarked on a golden path of development. The discovery of oil in 1938 brought a new revolution in the economic development of the state and the Saudi economy became one of the strongest economies in the world.
During this time, he laid the foundation for the settlement of the tribes in permanent settlements under the (Hijr) project in 1912, which improved their economic and social conditions.
In 1915, he signed the Treaty of Darien with Britain, in which Britain recognized his rule. In 1945, Saudi Arabia participated in the establishment of the Arab League, and King Abdulaziz also played a prominent role in the establishment of the United Nations in San Francisco.
Serving the Two Holy Mosques was always one of King Abdulaziz’s top priorities. He initiated extensive projects to expand the holy sites, facilitate and protect pilgrims and visitors, including the construction of roads and paved roads to provide all possible facilities to visitors.
Saudi National Day is an occasion to remember the struggles and sacrifices of the past and celebrate the progress of the present and the hopes of the future. This day is the fruit of the tireless work of King Abdulaziz and his people, who transformed a fragmented state into one of the most important and stable states in the world.According to a statement issued by the General Entertainment Authority earlier this year, the daily lives of Saudi citizens demonstrate generosity, courage, dignity and hospitality.
It should be remembered that every year, the Saudi people and expatriates celebrate this day with devotion and enthusiasm by waving the green flag and dressing in national colors.
Saudi Arabia’s services in the Islamic world are unforgettable. Whether it is the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque or supporting the Palestinian people, Saudi Arabia has always played a leading role on the global stage.
We all pray that Allah Almighty always grants Saudi Arabia progress, peace and prosperity and further strengthens the friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.