Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia for showing “restraint” amid ongoing Middle East tensions, stressing the immediate need to de-escalate the conflict involving Iran.
During a phone call, the two leaders discussed Iran’s retaliatory strikes following joint military actions by the United States and Israel on February 28. The premier extended Eidul Fitr greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of recent attacks on the Kingdom and reiterated full support and solidarity during the crisis. He praised Riyadh’s measured response and emphasized the need to end hostilities while promoting unity across the Muslim world.
The prime minister also briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring regional peace and stability, with both sides agreeing to stay in close coordination.
The conversation comes as Gulf nations face Iranian strikes targeting US and Israeli-linked sites. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stepped up its role as a potential mediator, even proposing Islamabad as a venue for talks between the US and Iran.
Recent diplomatic efforts reportedly helped dissuade Washington from targeting Iranian energy infrastructure — a move that could have significantly escalated the conflict.
Earlier this month, Shehbaz and the Saudi crown prince also held high-level discussions, reaffirming their commitment to working together for peace and stability in the region.