POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PM Shehbaz Urges Middle East De-escalation, Praises Saudi Restraint in Call with MBS

PM Shehbaz Sharif urges urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, praises Mohammed bin Salman for restraint amid rising tensions
2026-03-25
PM Shehbaz Urges Middle East De-escalation, Praises Saudi Restraint in Call with MBS

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Saudi Arabia for demonstrating “remarkable restraint” amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, while calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomatic engagement.

The remarks came during a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which both leaders discussed the evolving regional situation following retaliatory actions by Iran. The Iranian strikes were triggered by military actions involving the United States and Israel on February 28, further intensifying the conflict.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the conversation between the two leaders was “warm and cordial.” Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, describing the Kingdom as a longstanding ally that has consistently stood by Pakistan in difficult times.

He strongly condemned the recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and expressed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Kingdom and its people. Emphasising the need for peace, the prime minister called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim world, noting that cohesion among the Ummah is critical in the face of current challenges.

During the call, the prime minister also briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing tensions. These include outreach to key stakeholders to encourage negotiations and prevent further escalation.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s peace initiatives, with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination at all levels to promote regional stability.

The exchange also included goodwill gestures, as Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to the Saudi leadership, including Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the people of Saudi Arabia. The greetings were warmly reciprocated by the crown prince.

The conversation comes at a time when Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are facing increased security threats amid Iranian retaliatory strikes. Tehran maintains that its actions are directed at US and Israeli interests in response to recent large-scale attacks.

Pakistan has stepped up its diplomatic engagement in recent days, positioning itself as a potential mediator between Washington and Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz recently proposed Islamabad as a possible venue for talks between US and Iranian officials, reflecting Islamabad’s intent to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis.

The initiative follows reports that Pakistan, alongside Turkiye and Egypt, has engaged in efforts to dissuade further escalation, particularly potential strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

As tensions continue to mount in the region, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach underscores its call for restraint, dialogue, and collective efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.