Saudi Airlines has inaugurated a new office in Peshawar, marking a significant step toward improving travel services for passengers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and workers traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The office was formally inaugurated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malkiy during a ceremony attended by the airline’s country director, Saudi embassy officials, travel agents, and members of the local business community.
Speaking at the event, Governor Kundi welcomed the launch of the office, saying it would provide greater convenience and improved travel assistance to residents of the province. He noted that thousands of people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa travel to Saudi Arabia each year for religious pilgrimage and employment.
The governor also called on Saudi authorities to introduce direct flights from Peshawar to Jeddah, Madinah, and Riyadh, describing the routes as an important requirement for the growing number of travelers from the province.
In addition, he urged the Saudi ambassador to support the establishment of a Saudi consulate in Peshawar to facilitate visa processing and consular services for local residents.
Highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries, Governor Kundi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a relationship built on mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation. He added that expanding business-to-business engagement could further strengthen bilateral economic relations.
Earlier, Ambassador Al-Malkiy visited the Governor’s House, where he held talks with Governor Kundi on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, the governor briefed the ambassador on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral wealth, oil and gas reserves, hydropower potential, and Peshawar’s historical significance as the cradle of the ancient Gandhara civilization.
Ambassador Al-Malkiy thanked the provincial leadership for its warm hospitality and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Pakistan.
The visit concluded with the ambassador signing the visitors’ book, while Governor Kundi presented him with a traditional handcrafted wooden souvenir from Dera Ismail Khan.
