RIYADH: The seventh Business Networking Meetup, organized by the Pakistani Executive Forum (PEF), was held in Riyadh with a large gathering of Pakistani business leaders, investors, CEOs, community representatives, and members of various business and investor forums from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Dubai.
The event was attended by Dr. Shagufta Zareen, Minister for Trade and Investment at the Embassy of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, as the chief guest. Prominent Dubai-based businessman Mian Munir Hans also attended as a special guest.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Pakistani Executive Forum (PEF), Pakistan Investors Forum, and several other Pakistani business and investor organizations operating in Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to establish a unified platform to promote investment in Pakistan, strengthen business collaboration, create employment opportunities, boost exports, and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Participants described the agreement as a historic milestone for the overseas Pakistani community, saying the unified platform would enhance investor confidence, encourage industrial cooperation, increase exports, and play a significant role in Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, PEF Chairman Munir Ahmad Shad said the forum has chapters in 20 countries and is committed to connecting Pakistani business communities worldwide through a strong and effective network. He emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are a vital pillar of the national economy and that bringing their collective expertise and resources onto a common platform is the need of the hour.
Chief guest Dr. Shagufta Zareen conveyed the message of Pakistan’s Ambassador, urging all Pakistani business and investor forums in Saudi Arabia to rise above differences and work together under a common platform for the promotion of investment, trade, and economic stability in Pakistan. She expressed confidence that the newly signed MoU would produce long-term positive outcomes and further strengthen bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Investors Forum President Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood said the agreement reflects the collective vision, mutual trust, and national unity of overseas Pakistanis. He noted that the forum has consistently worked to encourage overseas investment, create new business opportunities, and support Pakistan’s economic development. He added that closer cooperation among the participating organizations would generate employment, increase exports, and strengthen investor confidence.
Speaking at the event, Dubai-based businessman Mian Munir Hans described overseas Pakistanis as one of the country’s greatest assets. He stressed that greater unity among business forums, investors, and the Pakistani business community would unlock significant opportunities for investment, industrial growth, trade, and job creation. He called for prioritizing national interests over personal considerations.
During the ceremony, renowned Saudi-based community leader Qazi Ishaq Memon, popularly known as “Baba Riyadh,” honored PEF Chairman Munir Ahmad Shad by presenting him with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak in recognition of his contributions to the business community and social service. Participants appreciated the gesture as a symbol of Pakistan’s cultural heritage, national unity, and mutual respect.
The event was professionally hosted by Shakeel Ahmed Kiani. Among those in attendance were Waqas Murtaza, Rashid Mahmood, Adnan Rafiq, Ghulam Safdar, Ghulam Mustafa, along with numerous businessmen, investors, industrialists, and community leaders who exchanged views on strengthening business networking, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the chief guest, distinguished participants, and individuals recognized for their outstanding services. Organizers thanked all guests and reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively through the unified platform to promote investment, trade, exports, employment, and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan while strengthening collaboration among overseas Pakistanis.