NEWS DESK (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a brief official visit as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East with no clear signs of de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.
According to state broadcaster Pakistan Television Corporation, the prime minister landed at the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. He was received by Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Consul General in Jeddah Syed Mustafa Rabani and other diplomatic officials.
The visit, expected to last only a few hours, will include a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office said the visit was being undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince. During the meeting, both leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in the region and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The region has witnessed heightened tensions in recent weeks as several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have faced attacks from Iran involving missiles and drones. Tehran claims the strikes are aimed at United States and Israeli military targets in response to large-scale attacks carried out by the two countries.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit highlights Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to promoting peace and stability through dialogue.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the prime minister’s visit should also be viewed within the broader framework of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving an early cessation of hostilities and violence in the region.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Andrabi said Pakistan has consistently emphasised three key principles to all concerned parties. These include respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and the resumption of dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi recently stated that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia whenever needed.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia where he held discussions with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing Inter-Services Public Relations, the two sides reviewed the serious security challenges arising from Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory.
They also discussed joint measures to counter such threats under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year.
Officials say Pakistan is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East while maintaining close coordination with regional partners.
