Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday departed for a brief official visit to Saudi Arabia, amid escalating conflict in the Middle East that has seen US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf states.

The visit, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will focus on regional security, bilateral cooperation, and diplomatic coordination. Sharif is expected to meet the Crown Prince at the Yamama Palace to discuss ongoing conflicts following recent United States and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Officials said the visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting stability in the Gulf region. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi highlighted that the talks aim to encourage respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions.

LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 12-03-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/Nxyl1w80vD — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 12, 2026

LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 12-03-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/Nxyl1w80vD

Shehbaz Sharif’s trip follows previous high-level engagements, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss security arrangements under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed last year.

Though brief, the visit is seen as reinforcing Pakistan’s strategic and security ties with Saudi Arabia and its role in promoting regional stability during a period of heightened conflict.

© Naya Daur