Saudi official and Balochistan governor deliberate on transportation, investment opportunities, and regional connections
In a recent meeting in Islamabad, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, met with Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, the governor of Balochistan. The meeting, which took place on an unspecified day and at an undisclosed location, focused on mobility, investments, and regional ties.
During the discussion, Mandokhail highlighted the special support that Saudi Arabia has shown for Pakistan during difficult times. He also emphasized the crucial role that Saudi financial assistance has played in maintaining Pakistan's macroeconomic stability, particularly during periods of external financing stress.
Saudi Arabia has expressed intent to invest in large-scale infrastructure, mining, and agricultural projects in Pakistan, including in Balochistan. This interest in Balochistan, a resource-rich but underdeveloped province, reflects a broader trend of Saudi engagement in the region.
Balochistan is increasingly seen as strategically important in regional trade and energy corridors. Its role in Pakistan's future economic landscape is gaining recognition. The ambassador's reported remarks indicate an interest in easing mobility for religious pilgrims, workers, and business travelers from Balochistan.
However, as of August 2025, there is no publicly available confirmation of direct flights or formal agreements specifically for direct travel from Quetta to Saudi Arabia following the meeting between the Saudi Ambassador and the Balochistan Governor. Current direct flight approvals from Quetta mainly focus on routes to Iran and Iraq for pilgrim travel, as approved by the Pakistani federal government.
While some airlines like Fly Jinnah are expanding their routes within Pakistan and to Saudi cities like Riyadh, these are reported from Islamabad, not Quetta. Saudia Airlines also operates direct flights to many international destinations, including Saudi Arabia, but a route specifically from Quetta is not listed as active.
In summary, although there is increased interest and some government facilitation for direct flights from Quetta to religious destinations (Iran and Iraq), direct flights and formal agreements for Quetta-to-Saudi Arabia travel appear not to be finalized or operational yet as of the latest available information in August 2025. Further announcements are likely needed for such a service to start.
The meeting also covered "cordial relations between the two brotherly Islamic countries", regional economic and political developments, and matters of mutual interest. Mandokhail reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The ambassador's visit underscores the continued importance of Saudi Arabia as one of Pakistan's closest diplomatic and economic partners.
- The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, emphasized Saudi Arabia's intent to invest in various projects in Pakistan, particularly in the underdeveloped Balochistan province.
- Balochistan's strategic importance in regional trade and energy corridors is gaining recognition, with the ambassador expressing interest in easing mobility for travelers from this region.
- Despite the increased interest in direct flights from Quetta to Saudi Arabia, as of August 2025, there is no publicly available confirmation of such direct flights or formal agreements.
- Saudia Airlines operates direct flights to many international destinations, including Saudi Arabia, but a route specifically from Quetta is not listed as active.
- The meeting between the Saudi Ambassador and the Balochistan Governor also touched upon the strengthening of ties between the two countries, with the governor reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
