# Pakistan Investment Forum Jeddah Announces Grand Independence Day Celebrations, Expands Support for Investors

**JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Amir Muhammad Khan)** — The **Pakistan Investment Forum (PIF), Jeddah** has announced plans to celebrate Pakistan’s **79th Independence Day** with a series of high-profile community and sporting events aimed at strengthening ties among the Pakistani diaspora and promoting bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The announcement was made by **PIF Chairman Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood** during the Forum’s first general meeting since the election of its new executive body approximately eight months ago.

The meeting concluded with a dinner hosted by **Secretary General Abdul Khaliq Lak**, bringing together Forum members, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and the growing role of the Pakistani business community in the Kingdom.

Addressing the gathering, participants praised the leadership of **Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman** and the Kingdom’s **Vision 2030**, describing the reform agenda as a catalyst for economic diversification and private-sector growth. They noted that more than **2,000 Pakistani investors** are engaged in business activities across various regions of Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s economy while supporting Pakistan through foreign remittances, trade, and investment.

Chairman Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to assisting aspiring Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in Saudi Arabia. He said the Forum offers guidance on investment procedures, legal requirements, licensing, and business development, helping investors navigate the Saudi market with confidence.

He added that, with Saudi Arabia expressing interest in expanding investment in Pakistan through various development projects, the Forum is also prepared to facilitate Pakistani entrepreneurs wishing to partner with Saudi investors or participate in emerging opportunities in Pakistan. He further pointed out that investment prospects are also available in **Sudan**, where interested Pakistani businesses can receive professional guidance through the Forum.

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Forum plans to organize a **three-day cricket tournament** in coordination with the **Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah**. The Consulate’s team is expected to participate alongside teams representing the Pakistani community and business organizations. Young entrepreneur **Ali Khurshid** has been entrusted with coordinating the tournament and managing communications with participating teams.

Speaking on the occasion, Forum members emphasized that overseas Pakistani entrepreneurs continue to serve as economic ambassadors, strengthening commercial relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while creating employment opportunities and promoting bilateral trade.

The dinner was attended by Forum members and prominent members of the Pakistani business community. **Former Federal Minister Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain** attended as the guest of honor, highlighting the important role of overseas Pakistanis in promoting investment, entrepreneurship, and economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries.