Under the leadership of Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, a delegation of the senate, comprising of Senators Muhammad Talha Mehmood, Dilawar Khan, Mira Khan Afridi, Fida Muhammad Khan and Ahmed Khan, on Saturday left Saudi Arabia to return to Pakistan after completing their four-day official visit for which the invitation was extended by Saudi Shura Council chairman. The delegation was seen off by Assistant Speaker Dr Saad Al-Hareki from airport. Pakistani council general Shehryar Akbar Khan, senior officers of Pakistani Consulate, senior officers of the Saudi protocol department and others were also present on the occasion. The senate chairman also thanked Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for treating the delegation as royal guests. The senate chairman terming his visit successful, observed that meetings held with Saudi counterparts and other high ranking functionaries would further pave the way for enhanced cooperation in future. He said that parleys would also open up new vistas of bilateral multi-sector cooperation. He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies and have a history of fraternal relationship. Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said that Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan in testing times. “The government and people of Pakistan hold relationship with Saudi Arabia at high esteem and we desire to expand ties in other sectors,” he said. The chairman senate during this visit also had the opportunity to meet Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Commander General Raheel Sharif. He said that Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all the issues and lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and constructive engagement. He said that Pakistan has always advocated the significance of peace in the region and beyond as sustainable development can only be achieved through durable peace. Published in Daily Times, December 23rd 2018.