Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are working together to help resolve the ongoing regional tensions through peaceful means and prevent the situation from escalating into a confrontation among Muslim countries, according to sources familiar with high-level discussions held in Jeddah.
The understanding emerged during a brief but significant visit to Saudi Arabia by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.
The prime minister was accompanied by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The delegation held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
Sources said both sides agreed that the current regional situation requires urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and to ensure that disputes are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
During the discussions, the two sides reaffirmed a shared policy that conflicts within the Muslim world should be avoided and that every effort must be made to prevent the current situation from turning into a wider clash among Muslim nations.
The Pakistani delegation expressed strong solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated that Pakistan has consistently stood by the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Officials said Pakistan’s leadership also emphasized the special status of Saudi Arabia as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, noting that their protection is a matter of honor and responsibility for Pakistan and its armed forces.
Sources also pointed to the symbolic significance of Field Marshal Asim Munir attending the meeting in military uniform, which was seen as an indication that Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are united in their commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security.
According to officials, the Saudi crown prince hosted a special dinner in honor of the visiting delegation, attended only by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir. The gesture was viewed as reflecting the close and special ties between the two countries.
Both sides also agreed that in the current period of heightened regional tension, reducing hostility, preventing further escalation and promoting unity within the Muslim world are essential.
