ISLAMABAD   -  Pakistan Ambassador-designate to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Lt Gen (R) Bilal Akbar has arrived in Riyadh and assumed his responsibilities. Gen Bilal has replaced career diplomat Raja Ali Ejaz, who has been called back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad where he is likely to be given some administrative responsibility.

Diplomatic sources told The Nation that Ambassador Bilal would be presenting his credentials to Saudi Foreign Ministry soon, as he has to start his preparatory meetings for the official visit of PM Khan next month.

The sources said PM Khan would be visiting KSA next month on the invitation of Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman. Lt Gen Bilal got retirement from Pakistan army in December last year. He was offered ambassadorship soon after retirement which he accepted. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close relationship. Over two million Pakistani workers and professionals are working in the Kingdom and make significant contributions in foreign remittances.