Nawaz to leave for KSA tomorrow on first official visit since taking office

E-Paper | May 05, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will be visiting Saudi Arabia between March 4 to March 6 on the invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said the premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

"This will be his first official visit to the kingdom after he assumed the premier's office in 2013," she said.

The prime minister is scheduled to hold talks with King Salman, perform Umrah and visit Madinah to offer prayers at Masjid-e-Nabvi during his three-day visit.

The spokesperson said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in close fraternal bonds of shared faith and values.

"Being the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, the King of Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of every Pakistani," Aslam said.

"Saudi Arabia also hosts more than 1.7 million Pakistanis whose remittances contribute substantially to the economy of Pakistan. Annual trade volume between the two countries exceeds US$ 4.5 billion."

It is hoped that PM Nawaz's official visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of the two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest in the global and regional context which will further strengthen their existing bilateral relations.

Saudis have been extremely disturbed over allegations in Pakistan about funding from the Kingdom for extremist and terrorist groups.

Take a look: Federal minister accuses Saudi govt of destabilising Muslim world

The Saudi embassy had, in an unprecedented move, tried to clarify its position a fortnight ago. But instead of ending the row, it led to a low-key spat between the embassy and the Foreign Office.

Examine: Saudi Arabia denies funding 'extremist mindset' in Pakistan

In a veiled rebuttal to embassy’s claim that Kingdom’s funding of seminaries was cleared by the Foreign Office, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office had said that only, “Offers of economic assistance and project based assistance by Saudi Arabia are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the relevant departments and agencies of the Government of Pakistan.”

Take a look: Curiosity about Saudi invitation to Sharif

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Salim R

Mar 03, 2015 02:08pm

Pakistan has four provinces, why only one CM always accompany him in important tours/meetings?

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 03, 2015 02:10pm

He will be visiting the king, and not taking Zardari with him for the publicity photos.

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Lahore wala

Mar 03, 2015 02:27pm

You should have mentioned that daughter Maryam Sharif nephew Hamza Sharif will also be accompanying him. as 'special advisors.' Kalsoom Sharif will also be going along. Shahbaz Sharif is already assigned to go. Who will be running Punjab while they are gone?

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MSK

Mar 03, 2015 02:35pm

Official??? Are you sure?? Why are then relatives accompanying our beloved PM? What's the need for brother shariff?? These politicians never learn

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Mian

Mar 03, 2015 02:41pm

Whole""Tabbar"" on official visit.

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Harmony

Mar 03, 2015 02:42pm

Another family holiday to their second home!

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dawn reader

Mar 03, 2015 02:43pm

Go Nawaz go

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Nadeem

Mar 03, 2015 02:46pm

Same old story. How can we end terrorism in our country when we get orders from Saudi Kings.Look back on all those years from 50's till now.it's long sad and painful history.. Our country did become peaceful and beautiful for some time 1960 to 1977 but since then!!!

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joe

Mar 03, 2015 02:46pm

To me it looks like he does remote control of govt from abroad.

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muhammad

Mar 03, 2015 02:46pm

Mr. PM just ask them one favour i.e. stop funding extremists organizations and Madrassahs in Pakistan

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Adventurer

Mar 03, 2015 02:48pm

It is officially to perform Umrah therefore his entourage includes many of his family members as well.

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farhad

Mar 03, 2015 02:49pm

and what about his 84 family member MNA/ MPAs in-laws their servants and others / who will accompany this badshah ?

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Akhroot

Mar 03, 2015 02:59pm

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saz

Mar 03, 2015 03:11pm

It seems family trip of mian Nawaz Sharif. This trip is not to discuss or clarify allegations as Saudi knows very well that those allegations are true. This trio is to make a bid for Pakiatan's prime minister so he can favour Saudi agendas inside Pakistan against Iran and fulfill similar promises.

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public

Mar 03, 2015 03:12pm

The composition of delegation is tell tale.When will they Learn that people are better informed and well read now.

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waar

Mar 03, 2015 03:13pm

Its called a real leader..always up for business opportuinity for the nation ..economy is his highest priority ..now the Saudis are giving him respects....

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Desi Dimag

Mar 03, 2015 03:17pm

Master has called him. Pakistani should feel proud.

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citizen

Mar 03, 2015 03:19pm

Wat happned to calls he was to receive ???

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Taimoor Khan

Mar 03, 2015 03:23pm

What Punjab chief minister got to do with the visit of the Prime minister? Is Pakistan a "Islamic republic state" or a family run business?

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Parvez

Mar 03, 2015 03:33pm

When you are summoned.........you are summoned.

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Jason

Mar 03, 2015 03:35pm

Signing new contracts for Houbara Bustard hunts?

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Sumair

Mar 03, 2015 03:42pm

@waar You're being sarcastic right? Tell me you're being sarcastic

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zak

Mar 03, 2015 03:42pm

Relations with KSA are on a high, way to go Pakistan.

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Harmony

Mar 03, 2015 04:05pm

@Lahore wala - They can run the country via WhatsApp!

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nwa

Mar 03, 2015 04:05pm

Agenda: New instructions to be given for the year 2015, by our big brothers. Pakistan to become scapegoat for their problems. How many more Pakistanis to be beheaded and Birds to be killed for the year 2015. One Billion Dollars will be given as a gift to keep our mouth shut. After Dinner Mr. Prime minister to be sent off with a warning. Keep your promise!!!!

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Qamar

Mar 03, 2015 04:06pm

Really? This is his first official visit since taking office? He has been roaming the world for the past one and half year like Ibn Batuta on public money, and this is his first officially invited trip? It means he had been on foreign trips previously without being invited!!! What a disgrace!!!!

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Mar 03, 2015 04:38pm

Ha Ha first "official visit" How about the unofficial visits? :-)

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limbofthelaw

Mar 03, 2015 04:39pm

Why high level delegation always includes only CM Punjab and not other provinces parliamentarians? Family-run political party isn't it ?

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Patriot

Mar 03, 2015 04:39pm

All Pharoahs of today.

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Mohammed Haseeb Khan

Mar 03, 2015 04:41pm

He should live there if he likes it so much to be there......How many times has gone to Saudi Arabia on unofficial visits?

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Mar 03, 2015 04:42pm

"premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif" Common its not an official visit. Its a family vacation :-)

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Awais Ali

Mar 03, 2015 04:48pm

Christopher Columbus on his new voyage.

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AXH

Mar 03, 2015 04:49pm

Nawaz was not invited, he was ordered to come to KSA and see the new king. I am sure he has some explaining to do regarding the rumblings in the press and private conversations regarding KSA's funding to extremists. He is taking Shahbaz because he cannot carry out a conversation. The reason for taking Dar is to make this trip look like some financial venture. The fact of the matter is that upon his return, depending on the dictation that he took from the king, we will most likely see some policy changes in terms of criticism for KSA.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Mar 03, 2015 04:53pm

@limbofthelaw Because these so called foreign visits are more like a family vacation. Now you tell me how poor Mr. Shareef can take CM of other provinces? Try and understand his problem. I hope this answers your question

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Sami

Mar 03, 2015 04:57pm

MR. NS, please do not forget our beloved Army Chief to include in your high powered delegation, or, perhaps he will make a separate visit.

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public

Mar 03, 2015 04:58pm

By the way John Kerry is already there. Are you curious?

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ali

Mar 03, 2015 05:00pm

The new master, called his old servant and servant is telling his people that see, how esteemed i am.

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Naseer

Mar 03, 2015 05:03pm

First of all I would like to ask Saudi govt ,why they always shelter all the currupt politicians ,and if the Saudi govt is such a good friend of Pakistan make some investment,gave Pakistani people working Visa,instead Pakistanis are being deported and beheaded on minor offences every day. And Nawaz and company have been to Saudia fair few times, what you have achived befor for Pakistan,and what you will bring this time.

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KHALID SOHAIL SHAIKH

Mar 03, 2015 05:12pm

Both are brother Muslim countries. It would be nice if both countries will launch mega housing schemes in both countries same time. Both countries have capability, materials, engineers, and technical staff. In past Pakistan has establish NCC but it has minor role. A new joint launching would be excellent for the development both countries. Both countries have buyers and masses will trust even launch, hundreds, thousands or more and more projects. Pakistan may please discuss.

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Mar 03, 2015 05:12pm

PM of a nuclear armed country of 180 million has been summoned by a desert gas-station of 9 million.

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mjk

Mar 03, 2015 05:32pm

No wonder it is all in the family. Wherever he goes, he takes along younger brother Shahbaz with him. Shahbaz is CM of one of the 4 provinces, you never see any other CM accompanying him on his frequent foreign trips.

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zain

Mar 03, 2015 05:33pm

Saudi Arabia upto mischief again defintly !!

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AKNasser

Mar 03, 2015 05:43pm

No one is ever going to question Nawaz Sharif what particular issue he discussed with Saudi king.

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Mehtab

Mar 03, 2015 06:10pm

Family tour on public expenses, to look after steel business in Saudi Arabia. Our nation sadly will vote for these family mafias.

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SAAB93

Mar 03, 2015 06:19pm

Pakistan might be pushed to play some role against Iran. West fears that Pakistan and Iran might unify in future to become one country.

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Umer Ali

Mar 03, 2015 06:25pm

The tola of NS is mainly accompanied by the family members only. I think this country should be renamed to Bilawal state or Sharif Empire or United states of Zardari etc.

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zubaida Khan

Mar 03, 2015 06:27pm

Why is the chief minister of punjab accompanying the pm? So a high level means only one province is represented? He should be accompanied by federal level advisors only or take all the 5 chief ministers.

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Pak patriot

Mar 03, 2015 06:35pm

KSA has funded enough of Religous schools in Pakistan. PM Shariff should request King of KSA to fund the construction and operation of four " Sick Kids Hospitals " in each of the four provinces of Pakistan. These hospitals should be state of the art and linked to Toronto's Sick skids Hospital. This would be atremendous gift by the King of KSA to the Sick Kids of Pakistan.

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meena

Mar 03, 2015 06:36pm

So I assume all the previous visits were just for practice????

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zia

Mar 03, 2015 06:53pm

Saudi Arabia is among few countries in the world who is our real friend. Please don't make him get distant from us through these negative comments.

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Ayaz

Mar 03, 2015 06:56pm

@Salim R Nawaz and Shabaz have done more damage to the federation than all the Nationalists could do combined ... These brothers are making it easy for every one to see how Punjab exploits the poor provinces ... I will be surprised if we do not get more amendments to the constitution in the coming years ....

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Canada

Mar 03, 2015 07:07pm

@MSK Actually no, its Paks that never learn, they put him in power. Same corrupt, incompetent PM not 1 times not 2 times but 3! Have you seen this anywhere in the world?

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citizen

Mar 03, 2015 07:12pm

@KHALID SOHAIL SHAIKH : merging both countries in to a single entity will be a better option and more useful for both countries.

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lafanga

Mar 03, 2015 07:37pm

"Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said the premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif" This is the "high-level" delegation? More like Sharif family get together on tax payer's money. I think they are securing their next long family holiday in Saudi Arabia.

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Junaid

Mar 03, 2015 07:40pm

I do not understand why CM Punjab Shehbaz Shariff is going there. What about other CMs. Ishaq Dar I can still digest but CM is beyond reason. This kind of behavior time after time keeps on proving that it is a family business.

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Fareed (usa)

Mar 03, 2015 07:59pm

Why even give it a second thought ? He owes a lot to Al Saud. When Americans sent their girl, BB back to Pakistan after Musharraf promulgated infamous NRO, Al Saud insisted that they wanted their boy back as well.

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Gulrez Khan

Mar 03, 2015 08:07pm

@Taimoor Khan All Islamic states are family run whether it is middle east or South Asia.

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m. a

Mar 03, 2015 08:17pm

Sir , it is clear that both brothers are ruling over the country, shamelessly. They are attending all the functions together. They are the biggest enemies of the Pakistan.

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Faras Khan

Mar 03, 2015 08:35pm

@nwa Bohot Khoob !!

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M. Asghar

Mar 03, 2015 08:48pm

If this visite to SA is at the cost of Iran, it will have serious consequences for the country in the economic and geoploitical fields.

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Boston, MA

Mar 03, 2015 09:39pm

Saudi Kindom, the clan who gave us alqaida ttp lt isil daesh ect

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Mar 03, 2015 10:01pm

Saudi Arabia birth place of Islam should work for unity of ummah with all in one instead of mobilizing sunni forces for a divided cause.

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Aditya

Mar 03, 2015 10:47pm

Master calls. The sharif puppies run hoping for some crumbs.

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alihbilgrami@msn.com

Mar 03, 2015 10:54pm

@zia. My foot they are our friends. With friends like these who needs enemies.

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alihbilgrami@msn.com

Mar 03, 2015 10:57pm

@Fareed (usa) They can have him permanently

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ahmad

Mar 03, 2015 11:20pm

The GOP should seriously do something for our skilled and unskilled labour force in GCC. Its becoming extremely difficult for Pakistanis to get Jobs in UAE and Saudi Arabia and Qatar has put Pakistani National on negative list. That remittance stream needs to be strengthened.

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Mohammad Saleem

Mar 03, 2015 11:34pm

Nawaz will get new instructions from his government's benefactors in Saudi Arabia, as to what policy to submissively pursue in the regional context. Good luck for him

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Naeem Qureshi

Mar 03, 2015 11:46pm

Another waste of public money. What has Shahbaz Sharif has to do in this trip. Just a family junket at public expense even though they stashed away billions. How shameful. NS look your self in the mirror when you are in Makkah and are performing Umra.

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mayank,bhopal

Mar 04, 2015 02:03am

I think this trip is alarming bell for iran.

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Mar 04, 2015 04:02am

Wastage of tax payers money when our PM visits overseas with his family!

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Amjad

Mar 04, 2015 04:53am

i didn't know pakistan had a royal family king sharif , crown prince shahbaz , princess Maryam and the rest of them

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Dr Haroon

Mar 04, 2015 05:12am

Lol first visit Right.

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Sadiq Ali Bohra

Mar 04, 2015 02:07pm

@Sumair hehehehheheeh funny brother true true.... obviously he's been sarcastic.... what else....!

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