JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for an official visit aimed at discussing the current regional situation and rising tensions in the Middle East.
PM Sharif was received at the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by the deputy governor of the Makkah region, Pakistan’s ambassador to Riyadh Ahmad Farooq, and other diplomatic staff.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is accompanying the prime minister during the visit.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سعودی عرب کے ولی عہد و وزیر اعظم عزت مآب شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان آل سعود کی دعوت پر سعودی عرب کے سرکاری دورے پر پہنچ گئے
وزیراعظم سعودی عرب میں چند گھنٹے قیام کریں گے اور سعودی عرب کے ولی عہد و وزیراعظم عزت مآب شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان آل سعود سے ملاقات کے بعد… pic.twitter.com/nziooUN5EO
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 12, 2026
The visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The two leaders are expected to discuss the evolving regional situation, rising tensions in the Middle East, and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Officials said talks will focus on regional security developments and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed the one-day visit and emphasised that it reflects Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement and its efforts to promote dialogue, stability, and peace in the region.
He added that the trip underscores continued coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on matters related to regional security.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent US–Israeli strikes on Iran.
Pakistan has reiterated its strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while calling for restraint to prevent a broader conflict.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with Saudi Arabia, stating that Islamabad remains committed to standing by the kingdom if necessary, while continuing its efforts to encourage de-escalation in the region.
