A combined photo of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (left) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
As Pakistan emerges as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is leading a diplomatic drive to bring Gulf allies on board.
In this regard, the Prime Minister held telephone conversations with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and discussed the war in the Middle East with them.
In his conversation with the Saudi crown prince, the prime minister briefed him about Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic approach to all parties, urging them to reduce tensions and resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
During the “warm and cordial” conversation held early Wednesday morning, the crown prince deeply appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts.
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 difficult times.
Thanking the Saudi leadership for showing remarkable restraint in the current crisis, the prime minister assured the crown prince that Pakistan would always stand by the kingdom and brotherly people of Saudi Arabia, just as they had always stood by Pakistan, through thick and thin.
Prime Minister Shehbaz called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to normality so that the regional situation can be stabilized, in addition to calling for unity and harmony in the ranks of the Ummah, something that was more necessary than ever.
The prime minister conveyed his sincere Eidul Fitr greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the crown prince and the Saudi people. The crown prince also reciprocated the sentiments.
Emir of Qatar
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and discussed the regional situation.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to the Emir of Qatar and the brotherly people of Qatar. These sentiments and good wishes were reciprocated by the Emir of Qatar, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister expressed serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region. He reiterated his strong condemnation of the attacks on Qatar and other brotherly Gulf countries and conveyed his deepest condolences for the loss of precious lives in these attacks, while praying for the injured.
He assured His Highness of Pakistan’s full solidarity and support to the brotherly people of Qatar, especially at this difficult time.
While appreciating Qatar’s notable restraint in the wake of the ongoing hostilities, the prime minister briefed the emir on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and its peace efforts. He highlighted that Pakistan had consistently asked all parties to reduce tensions and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
His Highness the Amir appreciated Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts for regional peace. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.
