Jeddah, October 9, 2025 – In a significant step toward enhancing regional transparency and accountability, Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in combating corruption, money laundering, and the recovery of stolen assets.
The MoU was formally signed during the inaugural session of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network (ARIN) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), held in Jeddah on October 8–9, 2025. The agreement was inked by Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Nazaha), and Lt. General (Rtd) Nazir Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Under the new framework, both nations will collaborate on sharing critical intelligence, conducting joint investigations, and tracing and recovering illicit assets. The MoU also lays out mechanisms for mutual legal assistance (MLA) and provides for technical and procedural support in drafting and processing MLA requests through diplomatic channels.
During the signing ceremony, Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous commended Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in tackling corruption and lauded the NAB’s success in recovering over 6.4 trillion Pakistani rupees (approximately USD 23 billion). He also appreciated the Chairman NAB’s insightful address at the ARIN MENA forum, describing it as a valuable contribution to the global anti-corruption dialogue.
Lt. General Nazir Ahmed reciprocated by praising the Saudi leadership for its strong and consistent anti-corruption initiatives, which have inspired similar regional efforts. He emphasized that the Saudi government’s commitment to transparency continues to set a benchmark for cooperation in the Muslim world.
He also highlighted the growing bilateral relationship, referencing the recent Saudi-Pakistan defence agreement as a milestone that reinforces their longstanding brotherly ties. To further strengthen collaboration, the NAB Chairman extended an invitation to Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous to visit Pakistan in the near future.