PM calls for dialogue, peace in meetings with KSA, Qatari Envoys
Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia based on shared faith, history: Gillani
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly after the Iranian attack on the US military base in Qatar.
“Met the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today and discussed the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East…Pakistan will continue to work closely with the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia for peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline after his meeting with Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malkiy.
The prime minister conveyed his prayers and good wishes for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
In the meeting with Ambassador of Qatar Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater, the prime minister expressed solidarity with the Amir and the people of Qatar following Monday night’s attacks on US military base.
“We pray for the safety and security of our Qatari brothers and sisters, and the entire region,” he remarked.
The prime minister said that Pakistan had always advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only path to lasting peace in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a telephonic interaction with both the envoys on Monday night and expressed his serious concern over the reports of missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar.
He had urged that all efforts must be made to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.
The Qatari ambassador thanked the prime minister for immediately reaching out to him after this “most unfortunate development” as well as for the expression of solidarity at that critical time.
During the telephonic call with Saudi ambassador, the prime minister reiterated his call for de-escalation and restoration of peace in the region.
The Saudi envoy also thanked the prime minister and agreed that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan must continue to work together and coordinate closely to ensure an early peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia based on shared faith, history: Gillani
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is based on shared faith, history, and mutual respect, rather than transactional interests.Pakistan real estate listings
He made these remarks during a meeting with Major General (Rtd) Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, head of the Saudi-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, at Parliament House.
Gilani recalled his successful visit to Saudi Arabia last year and the reciprocal visit by the Chairman of the Shura Council to Pakistan.
He said these high-level exchanges highlight the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy.
The Chairman called for institutionalizing regular dialogue between the Senate of Pakistan and the Saudi Shura Council through frequent high-level visits and enhanced people-to-people contacts.
He also shared his impressions from meetings with Saudi leadership, noting that both countries enjoy deep-rooted sentiments of mutual love and respect.
He thanked the Kingdom for consistently improving Hajj and Umrah facilities for Pakistani pilgrims.
Gilani praised the role of over 2.5 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia, describing them as vital contributors to both Saudi development and Pakistan’s economy through remittances.
He appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts in taking care of the Pakistani diaspora.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its alliance with Saudi Arabia, the Senate Chairman expressed hope that the Friendship Group would help usher in a new era of strategic and future-oriented cooperation. “We also look forward to the visit of His Highness, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He highlighted the historical depth of Pakistan–Saudi defence and security ties and said economic and trade cooperation has also played a key role in strengthening the partnership.
Referring to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Gilani said the forum offers a one-window solution for promoting trade and investment across various sectors.
He called for early implementation of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries, and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further enhance its fraternal ties with the Kingdom.
