Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia during these turbulent times. In a recent meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the premier assured the Saudi leadership that Islamabad stands firmly alongside the Kingdom, pledging continued collaboration to foster peace and stability throughout the Middle East. This reaffirmation comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which have drawn Pakistan into a more active diplomatic role.
Over the past weeks, Pakistan has significantly ramped up its diplomatic efforts in response to the growing unrest in the Middle East. The current crisis was ignited by a series of US and Israeli strikes targeting Iran, which resulted in the martyrdom of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the wake of these developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, has maintained continuous communication with regional counterparts and Gulf nations. Their concerted efforts aim to ease tensions and encourage dialogue among the involved parties.
The recent high-level engagement took place during PM Shehbaz’s brief but highly significant visit to Saudi Arabia’s western city of Jeddah. There, he held a private meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on the latest regional developments and the urgent need for enhanced cooperation to promote stability. At the outset of the discussion, the Prime Minister extended his respectful greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s enduring support for Pakistan over the years.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Their presence underscored the strategic importance Pakistan places on its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The meeting involved in-depth talks on the evolving security landscape in the region, with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination to safeguard peace and stability.
In an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, it was highlighted that Shehbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia during these challenging circumstances. He reiterated Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the Kingdom’s longstanding friendship and support, emphasizing that Islamabad remains committed to working hand in hand with Riyadh to achieve shared goals of regional harmony and security. The Prime Minister assured the Crown Prince that Pakistan would consistently stand by Saudi Arabia’s side and actively contribute to efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully.
Following the productive discussions in Jeddah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promptly returned to Pakistan to continue overseeing the country’s diplomatic initiatives. It is important to note that this visit followed a recent meeting between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Their talks focused on Iranian attacks against Saudi targets, conducted within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September of the previous year. This landmark pact commits both nations to consider any aggression against one as an attack on both, reinforcing their strategic partnership.
The ongoing conflict has seen Iran retaliate against US and allied forces in the Gulf, including strikes on bases in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Tehran has also taken the drastic step of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments, causing oil prices to surge dramatically. Iranian officials have warned that oil prices could reach as high as $200 per barrel if the situation escalates further. In response, Saudi Arabia has intercepted multiple drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as the Shaybah oil field, a key asset in the Kingdom’s energy production.
Despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressing regret over the collateral damage caused by these strikes, Tehran maintains its stance that it will continue targeting sites used to launch attacks against Iranian territory. This ongoing cycle of aggression and retaliation has heightened concerns about regional stability and the potential impact on global energy markets. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and its reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia highlight Islamabad’s strategic role in seeking peaceful resolutions amid a volatile geopolitical environment.
