Saudi Arabia has decided to continue supplying petroleum products to Pakistan on a deferred payment basis, providing major financial relief to the country.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman officially informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif through a letter, which was later discussed in a federal cabinet meeting.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz shared details of the letter, stating that Saudi Arabia will extend the provision of $100 million worth of petroleum products per month for another year through the Saudi Development Fund.

Expressing his gratitude, the prime minister acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s continued support, especially in times of economic difficulty, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with the kingdom.

The cabinet meeting also covered key governance initiatives, including the implementation of the e-office system across federal ministries and divisions.

Officials reported that 98 per cent of federal divisions have adopted e-office, with 39 divisions achieving full implementation.

Additionally, 21 divisions have fully integrated the system for inter-ministerial coordination, while 176 subordinate and state-owned institutions have successfully transitioned to digital operations.

Also, read this

Government of Pakistan announces decrease in petrol, diesel prices

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to ‘build bridges of economic cooperation’

Pakistan will always protect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, says Shehbaz

PM Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure the complete digitalisation of Pakistan’s missions abroad by March 20, 2025, to enhance service delivery for overseas Pakistanis.

The cabinet also approved Pakistan’s decision to sign an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect and sustainably use marine resources in international waters.

In another key decision, the federal government approved the appointments of Kamran Jahangir as Managing Director of the National Book Foundation and Dr Shahid Aslam Mirza as Managing Director of the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority.

Furthermore, six names were approved for submission to the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader for the position of member representing Islamabad Capital Territory in the National Commission for Human Rights.

Additionally, the cabinet gave the green light to sign an agreement with Somalia for cooperation on a national identity system.

It also directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to review the registration case of Watim Medical College, Rawalpindi, in accordance with legal requirements.

Meanwhile, an inquiry commission was approved to investigate irregularities in the Pakistan Engineering Council’s governing body elections.

Amendments to the Inland Revenue Appellate Tribunal rules were also approved, along with the endorsement of decisions made in the Economic Coordination Committee meeting held on February 14, 2025.

The cabinet further ratified decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases in its February 17, 2025, meeting.