by Hafizur Rahman
November 22, 2025. Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are preparing to sign a new agreement aimed at resolving the long standing issue of the legal status of Rohingya Muslims living in both countries, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. Officials said the agreement is expected to be signed next week in Saudi Arabia.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday and met Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malki. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations, security cooperation and ongoing regional developments. The ambassador condemned the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad and expressed condolences for the lives lost.
Progress on Rohingya Legal Status
According to the Interior Ministry, one of the most significant developments was progress toward a formal understanding on the legal status of Rohingya communities in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi ambassador thanked Pakistan for its positive engagement on the issue and said the upcoming agreement would help move toward a durable solution.
Officials said both sides are reviewing ways to strengthen coordination between their interior ministries to support the agreement once it is signed.
Military Cooperation Also Discussed
Earlier, Pakistan’s Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Aamir Raza held meetings with senior Saudi military leaders during a visit to Riyadh. According to the Inter Services Public Relations office, he met General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaily, the Saudi Chief of General Staff.
Both countries discussed strategic matters, ongoing defence cooperation and ways to reinforce collaboration under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and working together for regional peace and stability.
