Pakistani PM visits Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on a brief official visit to Saudi Arabia as hostilities in the Middle East show no signs of de-escalation, his office said.

The visit comes amid ongoing Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, which Tehran says target US and Israeli sites in retaliation for recent large-scale strikes, Dawn reports.

The prime minister’s trip is at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). During his visit, Sharif is expected to meet with the crown prince to “exchange views on the ongoing tensions in the region, the regional security situation and bilateral relations between the two countries.”

“This visit is highlighting Pakistan’s positive role in the diplomatic arena, and Pakistan will continue to play this role,” the PMO said.

A day prior, PM spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi emphasized Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia, stating the country would be there “before it is needed.”

The visit follows a March 7 trip by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. They discussed the security challenges posed by Iranian drone and missile attacks and explored joint measures under the 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

By Vafa Guliyeva