RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has touched down in Saudi Arabia for crucial discussions with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on escalating Middle East tensions and regional security issues.
Welcomed by Makkah’s deputy governor, Pakistan’s ambassador to Riyadh Ahmad Farooq, and other officials at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, Shehbaz’s visit underscores Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Accompanying the Prime Minister is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a Foreign Office statement. The official visit, initiated at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince MBS, is expected to focus on regional security, the current crisis following US and Israeli actions against Iran, and strengthening bilateral relations.
The PM plans to meet MBS for a series of discussions over a few hours before returning home. The talks will also cover the situation in the Middle East, regional stability, and Pakistan’s role in fostering peace.
This diplomatic move comes amid heightened tensions, with Iran targeting US and Gulf states and shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to soar and raising fears of a global energy crisis. Iran has also claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting key Saudi oil facilities, including the Shaybah oil field, which Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed.
Last week, Pakistan’s military leaders, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held strategic talks with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, emphasizing joint efforts to counter Iranian aggression under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed last September, which considers an attack on one as an attack on both nations.
Prince Khalid bin Salman recently highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent attacks on energy infrastructure and expressed hope for Iran to exercise restraint and wisdom. Meanwhile, Islamabad has reaffirmed its commitment to support Riyadh, with Prime Minister’s spokesperson Zaidi stating that Pakistan will stand by Saudi Arabia “no matter what or when.”
In recent developments, Saudi Arabia intercepted two drones targeting the Shaybah oil field, a critical energy site, amid Iran’s ongoing campaign to destabilize regional energy supplies. These tensions reflect the fragile state of Middle East security, prompting Pakistan’s active diplomatic involvement.
