PM Shehbaz Meets Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a restricted meeting with Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the kingdom as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
According to a statement shared by the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi, the two leaders discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation and agreed to work together to promote peace and stability.
The visit comes at a time of heightened hostilities in the region, with Gulf states including Saudi Arabia facing Iranian drone and missile attacks that Tehran says are aimed at US and Israeli positions in response to recent strikes on Iran.
Pakistan reiterates support
During the meeting, Mr Sharif conveyed his greetings to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked the kingdom for its longstanding support for Pakistan.
He also assured the Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s solidarity during what he described as “challenging times”.
The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.
Earlier, state broadcaster Pakistan Television Corporation reported that the premier was received at the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport by Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabani.
Officials said the prime minister’s visit lasted only a few hours and was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince.
Focus on regional stability
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit should be viewed in the broader context of Islamabad’s efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions in the region.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan had consistently urged all sides to respect sovereignty, uphold international law and pursue peaceful negotiations.
He added that Islamabad was advocating for an early end to hostilities and encouraging diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis.
Security cooperation
The meeting follows a visit earlier this month by General Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia, where he held talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
According to Pakistan’s military, the discussions focused on the regional security situation and joint measures to address threats, particularly in light of Iranian drone and missile attacks.
The talks were also held within the framework of a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year.
Pakistan’s diplomatic stance
In media comments, Mr Zaidi said Pakistan was committed to supporting its close partners while also working to prevent further escalation in the region.
“We don’t like our friends getting into quarrels with each other,” he said, adding that Islamabad was concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
When asked whether Pakistan might provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia, he said it would be speculative to comment but reiterated that the two countries had long maintained a principle of supporting each other when needed.
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