ISLAMABAD/RIYADH, April 15, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, launching a three-nation diplomatic tour aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and strengthening regional cooperation.
The premier was received upon arrival by Prince Saud bin Mashaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, along with Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to hold key talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
The visit comes as Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts following its role in facilitating rare direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, which have drawn global attention amid escalating regional tensions.
PM Shehbaz is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Following his Saudi visit, the prime minister will travel to Qatar and Turkiye to continue discussions on regional peace, security and economic collaboration. In Turkiye, PM Shehbaz is set to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will participate in a high-level leaders’ panel alongside global policymakers.
On the sidelines of the forum, PM Shehbaz is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other international leaders, presenting Pakistan’s perspective on key global challenges.
The diplomatic push follows a fragile ceasefire in the Gulf region after weeks of conflict that disrupted energy supplies and heightened fears of a broader war. Although recent US-Iran talks in Islamabad marked the first direct engagement in over a decade, no formal agreement was reached, and tensions remain high.
Officials say Pakistan aims to position itself as a constructive mediator, promoting dialogue and multilateral engagement to de-escalate the crisis and support long-term regional stability.