Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on a crucial visit to Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman at Mina Palace. The discussions will center on regional security, the escalating Middle East tensions, and ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh.
Accompanying the premier is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring the importance Pakistan attaches to this diplomatic mission. The trip comes at a time when the US-Israel conflict with Iran has destabilized the region, prompting Pakistan to intensify its diplomatic outreach.
The Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan has been actively engaging with regional and Gulf counterparts to help ease tensions. Following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes, Tehran retaliated by targeting US bases and facilities in Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices sharply upward and warning of a possible surge to $200 per barrel.
Last week, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to review Iranian attacks under the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed in September 2025. This pact ensures that an attack on either country is treated as aggression against both.
Saudi Arabia has already intercepted multiple drone attacks on the Shaybah oil field, a vital energy hub. Prince Khalid emphasized that such strikes undermine regional stability and expressed hope that Iran would adopt a more rational approach.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mohsarraf Zaidi, reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to Riyadh, stating that Pakistan will stand by Saudi Arabia “no matter what and no matter when.” This reflects the enduring principle of mutual support that has long defined the relationship between the two nations.
