Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on Thursday for a brief official visit to Saudi Arabia as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate with no clear signs of de-escalation.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit is taking place at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the trip, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to hold talks with the crown prince to discuss the evolving regional situation, security concerns, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
The visit comes at a time when the region is witnessing intense hostilities. Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have been targeted by missile and drone attacks by Iran, which Tehran says are aimed at US and Israeli interests following large-scale strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit reflects Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive diplomatic role during the ongoing crisis. “This visit highlights Pakistan’s positive engagement in the diplomatic arena, and the country will continue to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting regional stability,” the statement said.
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Earlier, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, where he held discussions with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. The meeting focused on the security situation arising from Iranian missile and drone attacks on the Kingdom and possible joint measures under the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed between the two countries last year.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also recently noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement had helped prevent further escalation, including heavier Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi reiterated that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Zaidi stated that the two countries have long maintained a principle of standing by each other in times of need.
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However, he emphasized that Pakistan’s priority remains preventing further escalation of conflict in the region. “We don’t like our friends getting into quarrels with each other, and we certainly don’t want innocent people dying unnecessarily,” he said.
Zaidi added that while speculation about potential military assistance would be premature, Pakistan remains a reliable partner for Saudi Arabia and will continue to work diplomatically to reduce tensions and safeguard regional stability.
