Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has departed for Saudi Arabia on a brief official visit, following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has also accompanied him.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold an important meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince during the visit. The discussions will focus on ongoing regional tensions, the overall security situation in the region and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Both leaders will review ways to further strengthen mutual cooperation and expand partnerships across various sectors, including economic and strategic collaboration.
According to MOFA, the visit will help highlight Pakistan’s positive and constructive diplomatic role in global and regional affairs. Pakistan is expected to reaffirm its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region through continued diplomatic engagement.
The spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan is actively engaged in a negotiation process on Afghanistan, with a delegation led by China’s special representative expected to visit soon.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has also maintained close contact with Gulf countries, including Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and discussed regional developments with the Iranian President. Pakistan continues to act as a bridge between capitals, advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting international law.
While the delegation’s visit was private, the briefing underscored Pakistan’s ongoing security concerns. Andrabi stated that comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure that Afghan territory is not used to target Pakistan. Recent attacks, including an assault on an Imambargah in Islamabad, illustrate escalating cross-border threats.
He also noted that Pakistan’s current policy toward Afghanistan is outdated and requires revision to address evolving security challenges. The Foreign Office stressed that until concrete counterterrorism guarantees are provided, Pakistan cannot consider the situation satisfactory.
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