Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Sign Strong Agreement to Ensure International Standards in Public Sector Auditing
Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in public sector auditing. On Monday, February 4, 2025, Pakistan’s Auditor-General Muhammad Ajmal Gondal and the President of the Saudi General Court of Audit, Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari, exchanged the agreement in Islamabad.
The Saudi General Court of Audit delegation, led by Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari, is on a four-day visit to Pakistan.
The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the audit institutions of both countries, facilitate training programs, and promote the exchange of trainers. A spokesperson from the Auditor-General of Pakistan’s office stated that this initiative will play a crucial role in improving governance, accountability, and transparency in government expenditures.
Muhammad Raza Irfan, the Public Relations Officer of the Auditor-General’s office, told Arab News, “This agreement will not only strengthen professional relations between the auditing institutions of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but also enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations.”
Auditor-General Muhammad Ajmal Gondal remarked, “International cooperation will bring a new dimension to public sector auditing. By exchanging ideas and methodologies, we can better tackle emerging challenges and improve public accountability.”
During Monday’s discussions, both sides emphasized deepening ties between their Supreme Audit Institutions, sharing innovative audit methodologies, and planning future joint initiatives.
As part of the joint program, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia plan to conduct a performance audit of the oil and gas sector in 2025.
Saudi General Court of Audit President Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari praised Pakistan’s modern auditing initiatives, stating, “Pakistan’s steps toward modernizing audit practices are commendable. We are keen to collaborate more closely in the future to enhance global public sector auditing.”
Additionally, the Saudi side announced the launch of the second phase of the Fund for Improved SAI Performance (FISP), set to begin in mid-February. Pakistan’s Auditor-General’s office has been invited to apply for this fund, which provides up to $40,000 in grants to help developing countries enhance their audit institutions.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing regional and economic ties. In October last year, the two countries signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion. Saudi Arabia is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates, making it the top source of remittances for Pakistan.
