Pakistan ready to play ‘constructive role for peace’ in Middle East, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday spoke with several Gulf leaders, offering Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace amid the escalating Middle East crisis following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on regional bases.

“I spoke with my dear brother HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening to express Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the dangerous regional escalation following the Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent attacks in the Gulf region,” the premier said in a statement shared on X.

“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time. We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region,” he said.

PM Shehbaz also held telephone conversation a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The prime minister expressed his sadness at the tragic demise of a Pakistani national in the missile attack on Abu Dhabi.

He assured the UAE leadership of Pakistan’s solidarity and support in the current crisis and said Pakistan would “always stand with its Emirati brothers and sisters, consistent with the close fraternal bonds between both countries, that had withstood the test of times”.

Meanwhile, the premier also spoke to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

The prime minister strongly condemned the serious regional escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran earlier today, which was followed by the regrettable attacks against Qatar as well as in other Gulf countries.