Senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Saeed Ghani, warned against the growing trend of prioritizing personal interests over Pakistan’s national concerns, calling it a dangerous mindset. Speaking at an event celebrating Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, titled “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations: Past, Present, and Future”, held at a local hotel, Ghani highlighted the longstanding brotherly ties between the two nations.
The event was also addressed by the Saudi Consul General in Karachi, renowned Islamic scholar Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Ashrafi, and others. In his speech, Saeed Ghani congratulated Saudi Arabia on its national day and emphasized the unique relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which goes beyond diplomatic ties and includes a deep spiritual connection due to the presence of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
He further acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support during Pakistan’s challenging times. “Whenever Pakistan faced difficulties, Saudi Arabia stood by us,” said Ghani, mentioning Saudi Arabia’s role in helping Pakistan navigate its foreign exchange crisis and support in the IMF agreement. He also noted that over 2.6 million Pakistanis are employed in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Ghani urged Pakistan to use Saudi Arabia’s assistance as a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency.
He also addressed the security challenges posed by hostile nations trying to disrupt international events in Pakistan, referencing the recent terror attack at Karachi airport as part of these efforts. He expressed concerns over some political parties prioritizing personal gains over the country’s welfare, stating, “Following political leaders is only beneficial if it aligns with the nation’s interests, not against them.” Ghani stressed that if his party’s leadership ever directed him to act against national interests, he would not hesitate to leave.
In the context of the upcoming Shanghai Conference, he appealed to PTI to suspend its protests, saying, “It is inappropriate to hold demonstrations during such an important international event. Support the state for the sake of Pakistan’s interests.” Ghani also addressed the concerns of pilgrims, urging Hajj and Umrah operators to remind them that the pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, not a recreational one, adding that minor inconveniences should be overlooked, as Hajj itself is about overcoming challenges.
