PM assures MBS: Pakistan stands firm with KSA; CDF Munir, Dar assist PM in discussion; Talks focus on Iran strikes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured Saudi Arabia of Pakistan’s full “solidarity and support” during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, as Islamabad intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East amid continuing Iranian strikes on Gulf states.
The prime minister, who dashed to Saudi Arabia amid deteriorating regional situation, held a restricted meeting with the Saudi crown prince, who also serves as the kingdom’s prime minister, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were also present during the talks.
An official press release issued by the PM’s Office provided limited information about the nature and scope of the discussions. Sources, nevertheless, said there were in-depth discussions on the current situation, with particular reference to Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia.
The day prime minister travelled to Jeddah, Saudi defense authorties said they intercepted more missiles and drones fired by Iran.
“At the outset of the meeting, Shehbaz conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed appreciation for the kingdom’s longstanding support to Pakistan,” according to the PM office readout.
The prime minister also expressed Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia during what the statement described as challenging times.
Both leaders held an in-depth exchange of views on recent developments in the region and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability.
“The prime minister assured His Royal Highness that Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region,” the statement said.
The meeting took place during a previously unplanned one-day visit by the prime minister to Saudi Arabia which, officials said, was part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach to help defuse tensions between Iran and Gulf states.
The hurried trip came a day after the prime minister held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflecting Islamabad’s growing concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the region.
Officials said Pakistan was walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope as the conflict entered its third week. While Islamabad maintains close strategic and security ties with Riyadh, Iran remains Pakistan’s immediate neighbour with whom it shares complex political, economic and security relations.
The diplomatic sources said Islamabad had stepped up contacts with key regional capitals amid fears that continued Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states could trigger a wider regional conflict.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Pakistan has been urging Tehran to avoid targeting Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, warning that such actions could significantly escalate tensions.
Iran’s president had earlier conveyed regret to Gulf countries and indicated that Tehran would refrain from attacking them unless it was attacked first. However, reports of continued strikes on Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring states have heightened fears of further escalation.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi earlier said the prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia was part of ongoing coordination between the two countries on issues of regional peace and security.
“The Prime Minister’s visit should be seen in the broader context of Pakistan’s efforts to advocate and facilitate an early cessation of hostilities and violence in the region, with the aim of paving the way for dialogue and diplomacy,” Andrabi said.
During Wednesday’s phone call with the Iranian president, Shehbaz exchanged Ramazan greetings and discussed the evolving regional situation.
The prime minister also offered condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and congratulated the Iranian leadership following the assumption of responsibility by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan had condemned the attacks against Iran but had also strongly denounced Iranian strikes on Gulf states, underscoring Islamabad’s attempt to maintain a balanced stance amid the intensifying crisis.
“As you know, Pakistan had condemned the unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Andrabi said, referring to earlier strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
“At the same time, Pakistan also strongly condemned the attacks by Iran against the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, and stands in solidarity with all these countries,” he added.
Pakistan also expressed concern over attacks targeting other regional states including Türkiye and Azerbaijan, warning that such developments could push the region toward further escalation.
Officials said Islamabad had remained in close contact with several regional capitals as part of its diplomatic outreach.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has held multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart while also maintaining frequent contact with leaders and officials in Gulf countries, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan was attempting to play the role of a “bridge builder” by encouraging restraint and maintaining open communication channels between regional capitals.
“Our principal position on issues regarding sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter, and on dialogue and diplomacy, is respected in regional capitals,” Andrabi said.
“This allows us to maintain channels of communication between the relevant capitals,” he added.
