S Arabia pushes for agreed reforms

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken their Economic Cooperation Framework to the execution stage. Riyadh has asked Islamabad to document progress on previously accepted reforms and sector projects through 2030, according to officials at the Economic Affairs Division. Saudi authorities want reports in the form of cooperation and progress cards listing schemes, funding, know-how exchange and regulatory changes.

Riyadh has also signalled interest in Reko Diq, a copper and gold venture, but it is still unclear whether it will acquire a 15% stake. Saudi Arabia had earlier announced a $10 billion refinery investment in Gwadar, and Islamabad, still hoping for that commitment, has approved incentives under its refinery policy to lure the Gulf kingdom and other overseas investors. A Saudi business delegation also reviewed opportunities across Pakistan in October 2025, spanning mining, energy, farming, infrastructure, tourism and property.

The kingdom wants three categories of material: cooperation proposals, progress on initiatives and advances on policy steps already agreed. The first deadline for complete information was September 14, 2026, following a request relayed by Pakistan's mission in Riyadh on September 8, according to sources. Technical work by ministries in both nations preceded the exercise, reviewing reforms and business openings in 12 sectors. The framework, agreed when Shehbaz Sharif met Mohammed bin Salman on October 27, 2025, names energy, industry, mining and IT as priority sectors.