Pakistan Observes Saudi National Day Following Landmark Defense Agreement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s National Day today (September 23) with great zeal, only weeks after the two nations signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, further strengthening their close partnership.

Saudi National Day is observed annually to mark the founding of the Kingdom in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. This year, the occasion holds special significance in Pakistan due to the recently signed defense pact, hailed as a milestone in bilateral ties.

In the capital, Islamabad has been adorned with Saudi flags, portraits of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman displayed alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, while major buildings have been illuminated in green to reflect the Saudi flag.

Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, who also serves as the focal person for Pakistan-Saudi cooperation, stated that the defense agreement has brought new energy to bilateral relations. He noted that both nations have consistently supported each other in security, economic, and foreign policy matters.

For the first time, Pakistan will host the main ceremony of Saudi National Day at the Convention Center in Islamabad, where senior government leaders, Saudi embassy officials, and dignitaries from both countries are expected to participate.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended congratulatory messages. President Zardari conveyed warm greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Pakistani nation.

Prime Minister Sharif praised the Kingdom’s rapid progress under its leadership and emphasized that millions of Pakistanis consider Saudi Arabia their second home, actively contributing to its growth. He added that the brotherly relationship continues to foster prosperity and cooperation between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has declared September 23 a public holiday on account of its 95th National Day, with celebrations scheduled across the Kingdom. According to Arab media, citizens and expatriates alike will take part in the festivities.

The occasion commemorates King Abdulaziz’s royal decree of 1932, which unified the Najd and Hejaz regions to establish modern-day Saudi Arabia. First celebrated in 1965 under King Faisal, National Day was declared a permanent public holiday in 2005 by King Abdullah.

This year’s theme, “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural traditions, heritage, and natural beauty. The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) stated that the theme emphasizes values of hospitality, courage, dignity, generosity, and resilience.

Nationwide events will include fireworks, drone shows, aerial displays by the Saudi Hawks, cultural exhibitions, traditional dances, and concerts. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are set to host large-scale celebrations, with iconic landmarks illuminated in green.

As every year, citizens and residents will join in by waving Saudi flags, wearing green and white attire, and engaging in social activities to express their loyalty to the Kingdom. Organizers have indicated that this year’s festivities are expected to draw record participation, reflecting a growing sense of national pride.

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