KARACHI: Oman is exploring new investment opportunities in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province and preparing for a future visit of the Sultan of Oman, the Sindh government said on Tuesday.
Oman has long-standing historical and cultural ties with Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan regions, rooted in centuries of Indian Ocean maritime trade. Until 1958, Oman directly administered Gwadar, a coastal city now part of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, and a significant Pakistani diaspora from Sindh and Balochistan continues to live and work in Oman today.
Oman is among Pakistan’s largest Gulf investors, particularly in ports, logistics, fisheries and real estate, while Pakistan provides skilled labor and defense cooperation, including military training exchanges. In recent years, both sides have been exploring deeper economic engagement and new investment corridors linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Karachi’s expanding port infrastructure.
On Tuesday, a meeting was help between provincial Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar and Oman’s Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al-Khanjari in Karachi.
According to the Sindh Home Department, the meeting focused on “strengthening and further consolidating bilateral relations” and developing a shared approach on security cooperation, consular coordination and investment facilitation.
“Sindh welcomes your investment projects,” Lanjar said, according to the statement, adding that the provincial government remained committed to peace, stability and the promotion of business.
According to the statement, the Omani consul general said Muscat intends to expand cooperation with Sindh in partnership with the provincial authorities.
“I assure the Sindh authorities that the government of Oman, in collaboration with the provincial government, will explore new avenues,” he stated. He added that Oman sought to further promote cultural and economic ties between the two sides.
The statement said both sides discussed security for foreign investors and opportunities for cooperation in investment, trade and tourism sectors.
“We want to provide a safe and transparent environment to the Omani business community in Sindh,” Lanjar said.
The consul general conveyed “a message of lasting partnership with Sindh from the Sultan of Oman,” adding that Muscat was seeking “new opportunities for mutual cooperation.”
Officials also exchanged suggestions regarding preparations for the Sultan of Oman’s visit to Pakistan, the statement said.
