Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a high‑level Pakistani delegation, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on a three‑day visit to Saudi Arabia from August 6‑8. In Riyadh, Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, regional security, the US‑Iran standoff, and the Strait of Hormuz situation. The visit underscored Pakistan’s long‑standing partnership with Saudi Arabia and its role in multilateral initiatives such as the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition.

Earlier in the week, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended a ministerial meeting on Jerusalem in Amman, Jordan, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause and met Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. The gathering, part of the R‑4 quadrilateral group with Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, also addressed de‑escalation efforts in the region and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Together, the trips highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic push to reinforce strategic partnerships, promote regional stability, and back the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.