US Edition
PM Shehbaz departs for Saudi Arabia on 'brief' visit
PM Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional tensions amid the US-Israel war on Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support under a strategic defence pact.
- On March 12, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and was received at Jeddah’s royal terminal.
- The trip follows Pakistan’s defence engagements, including the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed last year and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s March 7 meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
- Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad urges respect for sovereignty, international law, and resuming dialogue to facilitate diplomacy, as Pakistan’s diplomatic push continues.
- The PMO said the trip highlights Pakistan’s positive role in diplomacy, with discussions focusing on regional tensions, security, and bilateral relations between the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince.
- Analysts warn the visit comes amid unease over Pakistan’s defence obligations given ties with Iran, as Iran has targeted US bases and Gulf sites, and the Strait of Hormuz closure has raised oil risk to $200 a barrel.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Pakistan Pledges 'Full Support' to Saudi Arabia After Visit
(Bloomberg) — Pakistan’s prime minister pledged “full solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia following a visit to the Middle Eastern kingdom on Thursday, as Islamabad steps up its diplomatic engagement in the Gulf region in an effort to mediate the widening war.
Al-Monitor
The Straits TimesPakistan's PM Sharif discussed regional developments with Saudi crown prince
March 12 (Reuters) - Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed regional developments, the prime minister's office said.The meeting comes as the Middle East grapples with escalating conflict, including tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
Pak PM Sharif visits Saudi, to exchange views on ongoing security situation in Gulf region
Islamabad, Mar 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday left for a brief official visit to Saudi Arabia with Pakistan’s role coming under scanner due to its defence agreement with the kingdom. The two countries signed a mutual defence pact in September last year with the commitment to come to the defence of each […]
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