Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the rising tensions in the Middle East following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The prime minister is accompanied by Ishaq Dar, who currently serves as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts after the escalation triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which intensified tensions across the region. In response, Pakistani leadership has been engaging with officials from Middle Eastern and Gulf countries in an effort to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Iran has reportedly targeted American military facilities and other locations in Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Iran has also closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a move that has pushed global oil prices sharply higher and raised concerns that prices could potentially reach $200 per barrel.
Separately, Syed Asim Munir met with Khalid bin Salman last week to discuss the regional security situation, including Iranian attacks on Saudi territory.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September last year. Under this agreement, an attack on one country is considered an act of aggression against both nations.
During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of stopping further attacks and preventing additional escalation, noting that continued conflict would threaten peace and stability across the region.
