Saudi Arabia Launches Same-Day Visa Processing for Pakistanis in Islamabad

Saudi Arabia has begun offering same-day visa processing for Pakistani citizens at its embassy in Islamabad, a step that could make travel to the Kingdom significantly faster for business visitors, workers and pilgrims. The change was announced after Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Arabia's newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, to discuss cooperation in the mining, petroleum and energy sectors.

During the meeting, the minister confirmed that the Saudi embassy in Islamabad had started processing visa applications within a single day. He also extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Mining, Khalid al-Mudafier, to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum scheduled for November 12 and 13 in Islamabad.

Beyond the visa change, both sides agreed to expand collaboration in several areas, including oil storage, refinery upgrades, energy supplies and mineral development. Officials described the two countries' long-standing defence and strategic partnership as a foundation for broader regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.

The Saudi ambassador said Riyadh greatly values Pakistan's continued support and that the two nations stand together in all circumstances. He noted that their defence and energy cooperation frameworks are designed to promote regional stability and economic growth. The minister, in turn, reaffirmed that Pakistan places a high priority on its historic relationship with Saudi Arabia and remains committed to widening cooperation across strategic sectors.

For Pakistani travellers, the same-day visa service represents a practical improvement in access to a country that is a major destination for workers, religious visitors and business people. The energy and mining agreements signal a push to deepen economic ties, with refinery upgrades and mineral investment among the areas expected to see further engagement in the months ahead.