Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have departed for Saudi Arabia on an official visit at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The high-level delegation accompanying PM Shehbaz includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss ways to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly ties and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The leaders will also exchange views on the evolving regional situation as well as key international issues of mutual interest.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit reflects the decades-long relationship of mutual trust, cooperation and brotherhood between the two countries. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing strategic collaboration, promoting regional peace and expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
As part of the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz will also perform Umrah and pay his respects at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Earlier, Pakistan strongly condemned the Houthis’ ongoing threats against commercial shipping in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, declaring any attempt to disrupt trade with the Kingdom as unacceptable.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan remains firmly committed to safeguarding regional maritime security and reiterated its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the continued threats posed by the Houthis to commercial shipping in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea. Pakistan also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Office stated that any hostile action against Pakistan-flagged vessels would be considered a threat to Pakistan’s national security. It further warned that any attack on Pakistan’s maritime interests would not be tolerated.
The spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue, diplomacy, and efforts to reduce regional tensions. The Foreign Office also urged all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime trade.
The spokesperson stated that any attack on Pakistani ships would be considered a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereign interests. Pakistan, he said, is fully prepared to take all necessary measures to protect its maritime assets.
In accordance with the UN Charter and international law, Pakistan reserves the inherent right to act in self-defence. The spokesperson added that the country reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force, to safeguard its maritime assets and protect its national interests.
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