Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday talked to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via telephone and called for an “immediate end to hostilities and return to normalcy” amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a posting on X, the premier said he had conveyed “warm Eidul Fitr greetings” to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Royal Family and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia. “I reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity and unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia in these challenging times,” he said.
According to Sharif, he had appreciated the Gulf kingdom’s restraint and stressed on the urgent need for de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and unity in the ranks of the Ummah.
“I also briefed his royal highness on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts for regional peace and stability. We agreed to remain in close coordination,” he added.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the Crown Prince had deeply appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts.
Sharif’s call with the Saudi crown prince came a day after he expressed willingness to host talks between the U.S. and Iran to settle the ongoing conflict. “Subject to concurrence by the U.S. and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honored to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he wrote on X.
U.S. President Donald Trump shared the post on his Truth Social handle.
Pakistan, along with Turkiye and Egypt, is reportedly playing a pivotal role in backchannel talks between Washington and Tehran, with an ultimate aim to achieve a ceasefire and restore calm in the region. Despite ongoing efforts for de-escalation, however, Iran and Israel are continuing to trade airstrikes, while Tehran and Washington have both shared proposals for peace.