Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing for a diplomatic tour covering three countries, starting with Saudi Arabia, as Pakistan steps up its engagement amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Initially planned as a visit solely to Saudi Arabia, the itinerary has been expanded to include Qatar and Turkey, reflecting the importance of regional consultations on security and diplomatic issues.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz is expected to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key issues between the two nations. Discussions will also cover broader regional and global developments, including the recent Islamabad-hosted US-Iran negotiations.
Consultations with leaders in Qatar and Turkey will further explore the evolving situation around the Strait of Hormuz and the prospects for the next round of US-Iran talks. These meetings aim to promote regional stability and enhance cooperation across various sectors with Pakistan’s friendly neighbors.
Pakistan has gained international attention for its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, facilitating the first direct talks in over a decade. The Islamabad discussions, held from Saturday into early Sunday, marked the highest-level engagement since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. These talks followed a ceasefire initiated last Tuesday, intended to halt six weeks of conflict that resulted in hundreds of casualties, disrupted energy supplies, and raised fears of a broader regional war.
Although no formal agreement emerged after the intense 21-hour negotiations, the ceasefire remains fragile. Subsequently, the US military imposed a blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, complicating the situation further. Reports indicate that US and Iranian negotiating teams may return to Islamabad this week for continued dialogue.
