Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to leave Islamabad today for official visits to Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Qatar, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday.
The Foreign Office said the prime minister’s trip will take place from April 15 to 18 and will include high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional developments. A senior delegation will accompany him, as confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.
During his stop in Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz is expected to meet key leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss cooperation and matters of mutual interest.
Following his visit to the kingdom, the prime minister will travel to Turkiye, where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He will also visit Qatar as part of the regional tour.
According to officials, discussions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as addressing regional peace and security challenges.
In Turkiye, PM Shehbaz will participate in the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will represent Pakistan at the Leaders’ Panel alongside other global figures. The Foreign Office noted that Pakistan’s participation reflects its commitment to diplomacy, multilateralism, and constructive engagement on global issues.
The delegation accompanying the prime minister includes Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, among other senior officials.
The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have faced attacks from Iran. Tehran has stated these actions were aimed at US and Israeli targets in response to earlier strikes. In this context, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, contributing to a temporary ceasefire and initial dialogue.
Last month, PM Shehbaz praised Saudi Arabia for its restraint amid the conflict and emphasized the urgency of de-escalation. Earlier engagements between the two countries included a high-level meeting in March, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding ties built on strategic, economic, and religious foundations. The kingdom has consistently supported Pakistan through financial assistance and energy supplies.
Recently, Saudi Arabia also pledged an additional $3 billion deposit for Pakistan and extended its existing $5 billion financial facility for three years, further strengthening economic cooperation.
Security collaboration between the two nations has also deepened. Earlier this month, Saudi authorities confirmed that Pakistan had deployed military personnel and fighter jets to the kingdom under a joint defence arrangement.
The defence partnership was further solidified last year when PM Shehbaz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh, committing both countries to treat any attack on one as an attack on the other.