• Expresses ‘complete solidarity’ with Saudi Arabia, reiterates support for ‘territorial integrity’ of Yemen
• PM Shehbaz discusses regional situation with Saudi crown prince in phone call
KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday voiced “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia as violence resurged in Yemen, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s security while urging restraint and calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately discussed the evolving regional situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and later received the Saudi ambassador for talks on bilateral ties.
“Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its commitment to the security of the Kingdom,” the FO said in a statement.
Islamabad also reiterated its support for Yemen’s “unity and territorial integrity” and for efforts aimed at achieving “lasting peace and stability” in the country.
“In this regard, Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region,” it said, adding that Pakistan welcomed regional efforts to de-escalate tensions.
“Pakistan maintains its firm support for the resolution of the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy and hopes that Yemen’s people and regional powers work together towards an inclusive and enduring settlement of the issue, safeguarding regional stability,” it added.
PM-MBS call
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and discussed and exchanged views on the regional situation and current developments.
Expressing Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the kingdom, the prime minister said that it was imperative to maintain regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
The prime minister also emphasised the need to maintain unity and harmony among the ranks of the Ummah, in the midst of various current challenges, according to a press statement issued by the PM House.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his respects and good wishes to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to the crown prince and thanked the Saudi leadership for its warmth towards Pakistan.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
The crown prince thanked the prime minister for the call and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. He also expressed a desire to undertake an official visit to Pakistan this year, according to the statement.
Saudi envoy calls on PM
Separately, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy called on PM Shehbaz at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday, where regional and global developments were discussed, the PM Office said. The prime minister reiterated the need to maintain peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
He expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening ties, while appreciating Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan and its role in promoting regional peace and stability, the statement said.
The prime minister recalled his meetings with the crown prince during the year, which he said had been highly productive and contributed significantly to elevating Pak-Saudi ties to new levels.
He also expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support to Pakistan in times of need and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Ambassador Al-Malkiy conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership and reiterated the kingdom’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.
Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2026
