• PM briefs MBS on ‘constructive diplomatic outreach’, appreciates Saudi ‘restraint’
• In meeting with Shehbaz, Bilawal agrees to back govt approach to tackling Iran war fallout
• Premier seeks comprehensive plan to expand flight operations, enhance port efficiency
• Orders authorities to prioritise food exports to Gulf

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan makes efforts to bring to an end the US-Israel war with Iran that has also engulfed regional countries, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reassured Islamabad’s unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Iran.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity and unequivocal support for the Kingdom and its people in these challenging times,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) following a telephone call between the PM and the Saudi crown prince.

According to the statement, PM Shehbaz briefed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic outreach to all parties urging de-escalation and resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy. Appreciating the Saudi leadership for demonstrating remarkable restraint in the current crisis, the PM reassured the crown prince that Pakistan would always stand by the Kingdom, just as it had always supported Pakistan.

Separately, PM Shehbaz also held a telephone conversation with Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and expressed his serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region.

He reiterated strong condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries and conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives in these attacks. The PM assured Qatar of Pakistan’s full support at this challenging time.

PM meets Bilawal

PM Shehbaz also met PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. In his conversation with the PPP leader, the PM underscored Pakistan’s active diplomatic outreach for global peace in light of the evolving situation in the Gulf. He also emphasised Islamabad’s commitment to promoting stability, dialogue, and conflict resolution on the international stage, said a statement issued by his office.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan was actively engaged in addressing emerging regional challenges thro­ugh a balanced strategy that integrated foreign policy, internal security preparedness, and economic resilience. He stre­ssed that safeguarding national interests while contributing to global peace remained a key priority of his government.

The two leaders also exchanged views on political developments and issues of national importance. Disc­ussions included Pakistan’s internal and external security environment and preparedness to tackle potential challenges arising from escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari commended the PM for his strategy and also expressed support for the federal government’s approach to dealing with potential risks stemming from the conflict.

Food exports to Gulf

In a separate meeting, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate the export of 40 surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring an uninterrupted domestic supply.

He also called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in view of the evolving regional situation.

The directives came as the premier chaired a high-level meeting to review the export of food items to the Middle East and Pakistan’s port and maritime operations, according to a handout by the PMO.

“These (food items) include rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables,” the handout said, adding open sea and air routes would be used for exporting food items, with no additional charges for the export of vegetables, fruits and meat.

The participants were informed that a database of exporters for trade with Gulf countries had been prepared. PM Shehbaz directed that work be expedited on exporting surplus food items to the Middle East without affecting domestic food requirements and a comprehensive plan should be prepared to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar, and other major international airports in the country.

“The prime minister said complete monitoring of the demand and supply situation of food items for domestic needs must be ensured,” the handout said. He warned that any delay in decision-making at the government level was unacceptable.

The meeting was further informed that “business-to-business meetings and webinars were being held with Gulf countries”, and Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully operational during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

The meeting was also informed that necessary amendments had been made to customs rules to allow transhipment handling at off-dock terminals to increase capacity.

The handout further said that transport charges at ports were reduced up to 60 per cent. Meanwhile, export facilitation desks at ports were made fully functional and oil tankers carrying crude oil were being given priority berthing at the ports.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026