Army chief, PM Nawaz to depart for Riyadh tomorrow

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: PM Nawaz chaired a high-level consultative meeting on the latest situation in Yemen on Wednesday, during which it was decided that the premier will visit Saudi Arabia on a day-long visit along with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

PM Nawaz will also be accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi to meet the top Saudi leadership.

Official sources said that the meeting was attended by senior foreign policy officials and military leaders and the premier took them into confidence over his visit to Riyadh for continuing deliberation on the Yemen conflict.

While speaking to the participants, the premier also welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision of halting air strikes in Yemen and said this would pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Also read: PM visits Riyadh tomorrow for talks on conflict

PM Nawaz's visit coincides with developments in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition claimed success in thwarting the threat from Houthi militia and announced the conclusion of the Operation Decisive Storm and start of the next phase that has been codenamed Operation Hope.

This will be the premier's second visit to the kingdom in two months. He last travelled to Saudi Arabia on March 3 when he committed defence cooperation with the kingdom.

The defence cooperation was taken by the Saudi leadership as a commitment to joining the 10-nation alliance it later formed to fight the Yemeni Houthis. But the posture later adopted by Pakistan on sending troops annoyed Arab leaders.

The PM last week sent his brother (Punjab Chief Minister) Shahbaz Sharif as a special envoy to pacify the royal family.

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Factual

Apr 22, 2015 02:48pm

Are we going in as UN peacekeeping force now? Just guessing!

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Zafar Ahmed

Apr 22, 2015 03:18pm

We should take a stance keeping our national interest only !

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nation lover

Apr 22, 2015 03:19pm

already conflict over there...!!!

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MAlvi

Apr 22, 2015 03:34pm

Is he not taking his brother and daughter with him this time? His daughter is a must, because she is an under-training foreign minister.

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drdeen

Apr 22, 2015 03:35pm

We are going as a brother goes on call of another brother.

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Harmony

Apr 22, 2015 03:53pm

@nation lover - Where?

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Awais Ali

Apr 22, 2015 03:53pm

What going on? Seems like troops are ready to go SA. It will be very destructive.

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abdul manan

Apr 22, 2015 04:10pm

good move by govt,it will help dilute misconception among our saudi brothers.

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Fig

Apr 22, 2015 04:21pm

So Saithi was right that Army Chief might have to accompany PM to allay the undue demands of The king.

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Sudhanshu Swami

Apr 22, 2015 04:22pm

PM, Army Chief, Defense minister wow it must be highly crucial meeting. Lets guess that UAE wont create hurdles in Gawadar.

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msm

Apr 22, 2015 04:23pm

Like attacking Yemen, if someday KSA attacks Pakistan, Pakistani government will side KSA.

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Imran

Apr 22, 2015 04:24pm

This time Saudis will be talking to Pakistan leadership on a clearer terms regarding the conflict in Yemen. That is the reason, first, PM was travelling to KSA now CAOS will also join him. Something very important is going to be happened. Moreover, interestingly, KSA's King has not visited Pakistan for once if i am right.

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IndianJones

Apr 22, 2015 04:29pm

Pakistan took one decision against KSA and they are running pillar to post now.

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imme

Apr 22, 2015 04:31pm

Just wonder if someday KSA feels threaten from Pak and decided to attack which sides will one have to support . i hope COAS this time will once for all remove the label of rental army

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Laholvila

Apr 22, 2015 04:35pm

Raheel is accompanying sharif to warn the saudies to no not mess with a nuclear power.

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Canada

Apr 22, 2015 04:46pm

Sad to see that PM is more concerned about SA then his own country

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Shahpur

Apr 22, 2015 04:46pm

Pakistan should not get involve in Saudis problems. Pakistan should pay attention to its own problems in Pakistan, and deal with corruption and law and order.

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Gul Pasha

Apr 22, 2015 04:50pm

We send our troops or not but Saudis are friends and we have to show our respect to them. This is right time for PM to shuttle between Riyadh and Tehran to defuse tension and to encourage them to talk to each other for the settlement of their differences for the greater interest of the Ummah.

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Anwar

Apr 22, 2015 04:52pm

Good and daring move. I'd suggest establish joint military group between KSA and Pakistan. Iran has adopted decisive approach in gulf region in the name of power imbalance. Proxy war can only be stopped by helping Saudis at this moment.

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Ikram

Apr 22, 2015 04:53pm

Shouln't they be purchasing our tanks and fighter jets, if they want our help

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Ali Raza Noor

Apr 22, 2015 05:10pm

@Canada , I agree with you as their personal wealth is in Gulf

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responsible

Apr 22, 2015 05:10pm

Again with COAS.

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Ghaznavi

Apr 22, 2015 05:19pm

PM should have shown initiative and should have taken Iranian and Turkish PM's with him.

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Ajamal

Apr 22, 2015 05:20pm

Even those countries directly taking part in the conflict (Jordan, Egypt, etc) are not running mad like Pakistan, with the 4th such visit taking place in a month's time. This is the result of mixing "business" with "national interest".

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Muhammad

Apr 22, 2015 05:38pm

@msm Cant really say that about KSA but Iranians have shown intention to do so quite some times. But what stops them is an instantaneous Mass scale BBQ of Tehran in case of any such adventure.

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younus dar

Apr 22, 2015 05:51pm

The apparent purpose of this day long visit would be to consolidate pak Saudi relations after former adapted a neutral posture in vis-à-vis Yemen situation

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younus dar

Apr 22, 2015 05:51pm

The apparent purpose of this day long visit would be to consolidate pak Saudi relations after former adapted a neutral posture in vis-à-vis Yemen situation

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saz

Apr 22, 2015 05:52pm

Why Mr. Nawaz Sharif needs to visit again. He just recently visited. Why he is taking army chief with him? The actual drama is kept hidden from Pakistani nation. They are summoned by Saudi kings to participate in ground attack by Saudis in Yemen. Hence Mr. Nawaz Sharif has taken army chief to provide ground troops. It is surprising that whom they will send to fight for Saudis as Saudia only wants sunni corps.

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S. A. Hyder, Ph.D.

Apr 22, 2015 06:03pm

Saudis do NOT consider us their brothers !!

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harmony

Apr 22, 2015 06:04pm

Having successfully won the heart of Chinese Premier our boys the Shariefs are now on their way to make their relationship right with KSA, we are with you boys, best of luck.

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Younus Dar

Apr 22, 2015 06:04pm

it is a gesture of good will ; implying to the world that Pakistan stands by for Riyal kingdom in difficult times.it would send a clear message.

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Younus Dar

Apr 22, 2015 06:08pm

it is a gesture of good will ; implying to the world that Pakistan stands by for Riyal kingdom in difficult times.it would send a clear message.

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Younus Dar

Apr 22, 2015 06:12pm

it is a gesture of good will ; implying to the world that Pakistan stands by for Riyal kingdom in difficult times.it would send a clear message.

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Ghani K

Apr 22, 2015 06:13pm

How interesting , all of sudden Pakistan has become a "super power" to resolve dispute between two neighbouring Arab countries, KSA & Yemen. Question we should be asking Mian Nawaz Sharif & General Raheel Sharif , ' What is the extent, magnitude of our commitment to Saudi Arabia and who authorized it, is it a written pact ? ' This is the question that our parliamentarians , should be asking.

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nini

Apr 22, 2015 06:16pm

I think he is going there to ask for Forgiveness , not from God , but from the King! :-)

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nini

Apr 22, 2015 06:16pm

I think he is going there to ask for Forgiveness , not from God , but from the King! :-)

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khanm

Apr 22, 2015 06:30pm

@Zafar Ahmed ....Saudi interest is our national interest

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nini

Apr 22, 2015 06:35pm

whoever thinks the Saudi or any of the GCC countries are friendly to Pakistan come and see how they get treated in these countries. they respect the Indian's much more ,any day, more than a Pakistani

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Mubashir

Apr 22, 2015 06:35pm

I don't understand why the Saudis would need an outside army. Don't they have enough soldiers and arms? If not then they need to learn a lesson here and be prepared.

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Ajamal

Apr 22, 2015 06:37pm

@Ghani K. You don't need a pact to determine the extent of relationships. It is based on the mutual interests. With 2 million in Saudi Arabia and another 2 million Pakistanis in the rest of the Gulf/Middle East, and $ 8 billion annual remittances, the importance of relations with Saudi Arabia is quite obvious.

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Dr Rehman (Dow)

Apr 22, 2015 06:44pm

NZ, please do not come back. Stay there and maintain your businesses.

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Mrs. Khan

Apr 22, 2015 07:17pm

@Canada Good you are in Canada. Be there plz.

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Bachabassi,karachi

Apr 22, 2015 07:26pm

Looks like KSA been summoning Pakistani leaders for a while on this issue. It should be just an YES or NO answer. why waste money going back and forth.

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M. Asghar

Apr 22, 2015 07:32pm

To keep the geo-balance in the region, Pakisatn, Turkey and Iran have to move together in the case of Yemen, where the state as such does not exist since years. SA is being pushed into the conflict by outside interests that are bent on harming the local interests.

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Harmony

Apr 22, 2015 07:39pm

@harmony - "Having successfully won the heart of Chinese Premier our boys the Shariefs are now on their way to make their relationship right with KSA, we are with you boys, best of luck". Don't be a copycat to adopt someone else's name. Be yourself!

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wshaikh

Apr 22, 2015 07:39pm

Why we keep going to Saudi Arabia? Can't Saudi fly to Pakistan? Why are we so eager to please Saudi Royal Family? Pakistan's interest must be the most important thing in our decision.

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Raheem

Apr 22, 2015 07:48pm

Saudi Army prooved they dont need Pakistan Army. Then Why Nawaz is running pillar to post. Why cant you mind own house business. Just wasting public time and up guarding your businesses in Saudi Arabia. Shame on you PM. Why you are teaching our Military Generals with Monetory sickness.

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prashant

Apr 22, 2015 07:50pm

Arab will have to agree to excuse pakistan from this mess. Pak has taken a serious decision after consideration and delebrations. Its now also a matter that how much authority they have for there own decision. This whole mess is because pakistan has taken somany Ahsan from Saudi and now its payback time... I wonder what will China ask in return for all the current Ahsan....

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karur

Apr 22, 2015 08:02pm

Pakistan has played this card very professionally. The war in Yemen is a 'no win' situation and will harm Pakistan's interests in the region

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Muzaffar Ali

Apr 22, 2015 08:58pm

No country came for Saudi's help. They asked Turkey...they go a "No" They asked Egypt, they got another "No" These are the two big names....rest are all big zeros. Zero plus zero makes Zero. Even the USA was not involved fully just enough to keep the Saudis in humor. Besides the poorest country(Yemen) in the world can do no harm to the wealthiest country in the Muslim world. Shame on any one who supported KSA against the poorest Muslim country!

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Blue Saffron

Apr 22, 2015 09:13pm

The Saudi king should come to Pakistan if he wants its support. No need for PM and General to go there.

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ZAK

Apr 22, 2015 09:44pm

Another special invitation I guess. Why are we so afraid of KSA?

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Kashmiri

Apr 22, 2015 09:46pm

Pakistanis are always ready to please the Arabs

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k k tiwari india

Apr 22, 2015 09:47pm

Ohh! Really, Army Chief & PM or P M & Army Chief? I dont know which is correct protocol i Pakistan.

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Establishment ZAK

Apr 22, 2015 09:53pm

Wah Wah! That's the two most powerful men of the "most powerful south asian and islamic country, the asian tiger" running to KSA to please his majesty, what a majestic sight indeed!

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Malik

Apr 22, 2015 10:19pm

Once the parliament passed a resolution, why Sharif government is undoing this by continuously touring S. Arabia in sending all kinds of delegations. Has not the younger brother went there only a week ago? Come on, this is not a foreign policy, it is subjugation. S. Arabia had no right to bombard a neighboring country without a UN resolution

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CYRUS

Apr 22, 2015 11:19pm

@Awais Ali They want to be in on the peace talks. Iran new about the peace talks before Pakistan did. Iran called the Houthis to the table.

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CYRUS

Apr 22, 2015 11:20pm

@abdul manan Yes. There are far too many misconceptions about Pakistan, even inside Pakistan.

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CYRUS

Apr 22, 2015 11:22pm

@Fig The king is not making demands. They are working out what happens after the cease fire with Iran.

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INDIAN LOVE

Apr 22, 2015 11:28pm

@Laholvila Very proud of nukes. None country except USA even dare to use nuclear weapons to any nation weather big or small. So stop prouding on your nuclear power. Country survive with food (economy- money) not with nukes.

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T. M. Wazir

Apr 23, 2015 12:27am

Why nawaz dradraging army chief to Saudi Arabia? Nawaz has obligations to full fill and his personal business to protect but not on the cost of national interests. He should be grilled why he is wasting nations money and national interests on Saudis?

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Canada

Apr 23, 2015 12:52am

@Ali Raza Noor Yes agreed and Saudis probably devised a plan to install him back as PM while NS was in exile. Now NS owes Saudis but hey its not NS or his cronies that will suffer, it is the common pk. @MRS. KHAN Thank you, I will.I have every intention of staying here. If you would like to see how democracy, freedom, peace, equality and rights for women, like yourself Mrs Khan, work then you should visit. :)

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Ahmed

Apr 23, 2015 01:54am

@Imran: I dont think the new Saudi king has had a chance to visit any foreign country yet.

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ALI AWAN

Apr 23, 2015 02:29am

Your comment doesn't make any sense bro

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ALI AWAN

Apr 23, 2015 02:30am

@MSM your comment doesn't make any sense bro

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saud

Apr 23, 2015 02:31am

The stance was sure to annoy KSA/non Iran Allied ME, unfortunately in this conflict Pakistan had no good choices. The choice made was not the better of bad choices available in my view, some kind of force under the usuall "defence of Harmain" umbrella should have been sent as a token - Dont think they needed them to fight on front line - just a part of "American style coolation", but that is just my guess.

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Lakhte Zaidi

Apr 23, 2015 03:15am

I hope both Sharif’s are intelligent enough to save Pakistan from bleak and dark future. Perhaps, time is approaching fast so that Saudi people too can enjoy freedom of expression and choose their leaders.

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Gawal Mandi ya

Apr 23, 2015 03:41am

Sure wish Nawaz Sharif showed this much concern towards his own country and people

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Annonn

Apr 23, 2015 03:50am

Nawaz Sharif should play a more active role, call a summit meeting In Islamabad and invite King Salman, Iranian and Turkish Presidents.

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Nomi

Apr 23, 2015 04:23am

When did UN said that Pakistan should go in saudi/yaman conflict? Please do not let enemies of Pakistan to use UN resolution; Pakistan armed force is for Pakistan and Pakistan alone and it does not belong to UN or saudi arab. If Pakistan has pledged any troops for peace keeping purposes just like other involved country's pledged troops then its OK to go along with the combined forces of UN under UN laws and conditions.

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Sal

Apr 23, 2015 05:10am

Why Pakistani PM and Army Chief running to SA? No wonder SA do not respect Pakistani citizens and also our govt. It is almost like pleasing their bosses. They need our troops and we can running up and down that we need a favor. It is not proud moment for Pakistan. They are treating Pakistan as a 2nd class citizen.

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Osama Mohamed Seduqqi

Apr 23, 2015 05:38am

Big brother approach to small brother is not correct.

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(Indian)Prasanna kumar

Apr 23, 2015 07:21am

Why attack on a poor country like yemen?Arabs are doing wrong,Pakistan should not support KSA

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