PM lauds Saudi restraint, vows Pakistan’s full support amid Middle East crisis

• Premier Shehbaz appreciates Saudi Arabia’s ‘remarkable restraint’ in ongoing regional tensions

• Underscores Saudi leadership role in Muslim Ummah, calling for Islamic unity and highlighting efforts to bring US and Iran to negotiating table

• Dar, Saudi FM discuss regional security, stability, and cooperation

 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lauded Saudi Arabia’s “remarkable restraint” amid the ongoing Middle East crisis during a high-level meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The meeting came immediately after a quadrilateral ministerial gathering in Islamabad attended by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye, reflecting the region’s escalating focus on diplomacy and de-escalation.

According to the PMO statement, PM Shehbaz briefed FM Faisal on Pakistan’s extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at mediating the crisis, including initiatives to bring both the United States and Iran to the negotiating table.

Islamabad: Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/2RcEDzJzyU

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 29, 2026

“The Prime Minister appreciated Saudi Arabia’s careful handling of the situation and expressed hope for continued regional stability through dialogue and restraint,” the PMO said. FM Faisal shared Riyadh’s latest perspectives on the evolving regional scenario, while PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s “full and unwavering solidarity and support” with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

پاکستان میں خطے کے قیام امن کیلئے وزراءِ خارجہ کا اجلاس

سعودی عر ب کے وزیر خارجہ کی وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس آمد

سعودی عرب کے وزیرِ خارجہ شہزادہ فیصل بن فرحان آل سعود وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس آمد پر وزیر اعظم معاون خصوصی برائے امور خارجہ سید طارق فاطمی نے استقبال کیا۔

وزیر اعظم نے اپنے دفتر… pic.twitter.com/R88xQL9o1r

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 29, 2026

The premier also underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership role within the Muslim Ummah and highlighted the urgent need for unity among Islamic countries at this critical juncture. He recalled his recent discussions with the Saudi crown prince during their meeting in Jeddah on March 12, emphasizing that both countries agreed to continue close coordination to secure peace and stability in the region.

Upon arrival at the PMO, FM Faisal was received by Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as National Security Adviser and Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence Asim Malik.

Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

During the warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Saudi Foreign Minister and conveyed his respectful regards for… pic.twitter.com/7kQXFo4ZEM

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 29, 2026

PM Shehbaz “warmly welcomed the Saudi foreign minister and conveyed his respectful regards to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and extended warm greetings to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the PMO said.

DPM Ishaq Dar, Saudi FM discuss regional developments

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held detailed discussions with FM Faisal on the evolving regional and international situation. A Foreign Office spokesperson said the two leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts to promote peace, security, and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The two sides will engage in comprehensive consultations on the evolving… pic.twitter.com/9HpnJcyXXE

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

Reaffirming their commitment to closer engagement, both sides agreed to continue cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels to strengthen ties and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

Saudi FM arrives in Islamabad

Earlier on Sunday, FM Faisal bin Farhan al Saud arrived in Islamabad on an official visit at the invitation of DPM/FM Ishaq Dar. He was received by Additional Secretary Middle East Syed Ahmad Maroof, a Foreign Office spokesperson said.

During his visit, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to hold consultations on regional developments and strategic cooperation. The Foreign Office noted that “the visit reflects the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and their continued coordination on regional and international issues.”

 

Meeting with Turkish, Egyptian FMs

After meeting him, PM Shehbaz was also called upon by the foreign ministers of Turkiye and Egypt, who were also in Islamabad to attend the high-level quadrilateral ministerial meeting on the Middle East crisis.

Foreign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan and Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings… pic.twitter.com/W16VRX0drK

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 29, 2026

According to the PMO, SAPM Fatemi received Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty upon their arrival at the Prime Minister’s House.

“The prime minister warmly welcomed the distinguished foreign ministers in his office,” the PMO statement said, adding that Dar and ISI DG Asim Malik were also present in the meeting.

According to the PMO, PM Shehbaz conveyed his “greetings and best wishes” for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and recalled his recent conversations with both leaders.

پاکستان میں مشرق وسطی میں قیام امن کیلئے وزراءِ خارجہ کا اجلاس

ترکیہ کے وزیرِ خارجہ حکان فدان اور مصر کے وزیرِ خارجہ ڈاکٹر بدر بن عبدالعاطی کی وزیرِ اعظم سے ملاقات کیلئے وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس آمد.

وزرا خارجہ کی وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس آمد پر وزیر اعظم کے معاون خصوصی برائے امور خارجہ سید… pic.twitter.com/mEsLb10TYH

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 29, 2026

The PM shared Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts with the two visiting dignitaries and stressed the need for “collective efforts to urgently bring an end to hostilities that were causing heavy loss of life, economy and property not only in Iran, but across several brotherly Muslim countries”, a subsequent PMO statement said.

It added that he reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment and resolve to play a positive role in bringing both Iran and the US to the negotiating table.

For their part, the two foreign ministers briefed the PM on their respective national perspectives on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, the statement said.

“While appreciating Pakistan’s constructive role in peace efforts, they lauded the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership at this challenging time,” the statement said.