Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephone conversations on Saturday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as tensions intensified across the Middle East following joint United States–Israel strikes on Iran.
Major SBCA Reshuffle Looms Amid Karachi Illegal Construction Crackdown
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier strongly condemned the serious regional escalation triggered by the Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent strikes affecting several Gulf countries. He assured Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s full solidarity and support, emphasizing that Pakistan would stand with Saudi Arabia “under all circumstances.”
The prime minister said Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in promoting peace and expressed hope that the holy month of Ramadan would bring stability and calm to the region.
In a separate call with the UAE president, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the escalating conflict and conveyed condolences over the death of a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi during the ongoing hostilities. In a post on X, he affirmed that Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the Emirati people during the crisis.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, condemning what he described as unwarranted attacks against Iran and calling for an immediate halt to escalating tensions. Both leaders reviewed the rapidly evolving regional situation and stressed the need to resume diplomatic engagement to achieve a peaceful resolution.
The latest diplomatic outreach comes after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf states. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its response targeted American and Israeli-linked military assets across the region.
Air defence systems were activated across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and the UAE, with several countries reporting interceptions of incoming missiles. UAE state media confirmed at least one fatality in Abu Dhabi.
Explosions and heightened security were also reported in Tehran, including near the Pasteur district, while Iranian authorities said President Masoud Pezeshkian remained safe following reports that senior leadership locations had been targeted.
The rapidly expanding conflict has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation, prompting calls from Pakistan and other countries for urgent de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts.
