Saudi Arabia is considering investment in Pakistan's M-10 motorway, signalling a potential expansion of bilateral economic ties centred on infrastructure, transport modernisation and regional connectivity.

The proposal emerged during talks between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Saudi Minister for Transport and Logistics Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser on the sidelines of an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in Istanbul.

Pakistan has invited Riyadh to participate in the M-10 project, which envisages a new route linking Karachi Port with Hyderabad. The initiative is being positioned as part of a broader push to attract public-private partnerships aimed at upgrading transport infrastructure.

Saudi officials indicated interest not only in the motorway scheme but also in the wider communications sector. The Kingdom expressed willingness to support modernisation efforts, including expanding flight operations to Pakistan. Emphasis was also placed on digitalisation and enhanced road surveillance, reflecting evolving priorities in transport systems.

Discussions extended beyond a single project. Both sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in maritime affairs, logistics and regional trade corridors, particularly among OIC member states. The focus on connectivity suggests a strategic effort to integrate infrastructure development with trade facilitation.

Separately, Pakistan engaged with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) to broaden collaboration. Talks with its Director General Zehra Zmrt Sel§uk covered agriculture, Islamic banking and capacity building. The two parties agreed to pursue joint research initiatives and specialised training programmes aimed at socio-economic development.

The engagement with Saudi Arabia highlights Pakistan's attempt to leverage international partnerships for infrastructure financing, while aligning transport projects with broader regional economic cooperation.