Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left Islamabad on Thursday for Saudi Arabia, embarking on a crucial diplomatic mission to engage with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. The primary focus of this high-level visit is to deliberate on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This visit underscores Pakistan’s proactive role in regional diplomacy as the situation continues to evolve rapidly.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this important trip is Ishaq Dar, who serves as both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. Their joint presence highlights the significance Islamabad places on this dialogue, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The Foreign Office has emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in stabilizing the region, which has been severely destabilized following the US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
The recent hostilities were triggered by attacks that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, plunging the Middle East into a state of heightened conflict. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military bases and strategic locations within Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, causing a sharp surge in oil prices worldwide. Iranian officials have warned that oil prices could soar to $200 per barrel if the conflict persists, signaling potential global economic repercussions.
In parallel to the Prime Minister’s visit, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recently held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman. Their discussions focused on the Iranian attacks against Saudi Arabia within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between the two countries last September. This landmark pact commits both nations to consider any aggression against one as an attack on both, reinforcing their strategic partnership amid regional instability.
Prince Khalid bin Salman, in a statement shared on social media, highlighted that the meeting concentrated on measures to halt the ongoing attacks, which threaten the security and stability of the entire region. He expressed hope that Iran would choose diplomacy and prudence over further military escalation, urging Tehran to avoid miscalculations that could exacerbate the crisis. This sentiment reflects a broader regional desire to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has been actively defending its critical infrastructure from repeated drone assaults. On Thursday, the kingdom successfully intercepted and destroyed two drones targeting the Shaybah oil field, a vital asset for Saudi oil production. This incident followed several thwarted attacks earlier in the week, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Iran’s campaign to disrupt global energy markets. The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed these defensive actions, reinforcing the kingdom’s resolve to protect its energy facilities.
Amid these tensions, Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mohsarraf Zaidi, recently stated in an interview with Bloomberg TV that Islamabad stands ready to assist Riyadh “no matter what and no matter when.” This declaration reflects the longstanding principle guiding Pakistan-Saudi relations, where mutual support remains a cornerstone of their partnership.
On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed regret over the collateral damage caused by strikes in neighboring countries. However, Tehran maintains its position that it will continue targeting sites it deems responsible for attacks on Iranian territory. This stance complicates efforts to achieve a ceasefire, as both sides remain entrenched in their respective security concerns.
Overall, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a critical juncture, with Pakistan seeking to leverage its diplomatic channels to promote dialogue and stability in a region teetering on the brink of wider conflict. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications not only for Pakistan-Saudi relations but also for broader regional peace and security.
