PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir leave for Saudi Arabia on three-day visit
PM Shehbaz to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The two leaders are expected to review the full spectrum of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations.
Their discussions will also cover regional and international developments, with a particular focus on issues affecting the Middle East and the wider Muslim world. Officials believe the meeting will help deepen strategic coordination between the two countries.
Focus on stronger bilateral relations
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed close diplomatic, economic, and defence ties for decades. Officials said both sides will discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, and other areas of mutual interest.
The visit also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining close political and strategic cooperation. Pakistan considers Saudi Arabia one of its closest partners in the region.
Regional developments high on agenda
The visit is taking place amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, making the discussions particularly significant. Pakistani and Saudi leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving regional security situation and explore diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability.
Officials said both countries remain committed to resolving regional issues through dialogue and cooperation. The talks are also expected to strengthen coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement
Before departing for Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting in Islamabad to review the evolving regional situation. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and ongoing efforts to monitor developments in the Middle East.
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Government officials discussed regional security challenges and possible diplomatic initiatives. The meeting reflected Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
Foreign Office highlights Pakistan’s role
During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan continues to play a constructive diplomatic role in efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.
He also appreciated Oman’s constructive role in helping reduce regional tensions. Officials said Pakistan supports dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional disputes. The Foreign Office reiterated the country’s commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Pakistan rejects India’s remarks on AJK elections
Separately, the Foreign Office rejected India’s comments regarding the ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi described India’s remarks as baseless and said the electoral process was being conducted transparently.
He said India had no moral justification for questioning the democratic process in AJK. According to the Foreign Office, such statements cannot divert international attention from the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Bangladesh's issue was also discussed
Responding to a question during the media briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson also commented on the situation in Bangladesh. He said the people of Bangladesh are fully capable of managing and resolving their own affairs.
Pakistan reaffirmed its respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and internal matters. The spokesperson avoided making further comments on Bangladesh’s domestic political developments.
