PM Shehbaz Sharif reaches Riyadh for Arab-Islamic Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to represent Pakistan at the Arab-Islamic Summit.

He was welcomed at Riyadh's Royal Airport Terminal by Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh's Deputy Governor, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and senior diplomatic officials, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Accompanying PM Shehbaz are Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Shehbaz said, “I will join the leaders of the Muslim Ummah at the Joint Arab Islamic Summit, being convened to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza.” He highlighted the importance of speaking "with one voice for the rights of the Palestinian people" and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for regional peace.

Moreover, the PM will reaffirm Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestine during his participation at the summit.

He is expected to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza, which has sparked international condemnation.

“Pakistan’s stance on Palestine remains firm, and we will continue to demand a halt to the genocide taking place in Gaza,” a government spokesperson said.

Shehbaz's visit will also include meetings with leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, who are gathered in Riyadh to address the worsening situation in the region.

The summit is seen as a crucial platform for discussing the Middle East’s most pressing issues.

In a recent statement, PM Shehbaz emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.

"We have a strong partnership with Saudi Arabia, and our discussions on economic cooperation, especially in sectors like solar energy, mining, agriculture, and investments, are progressing positively," he noted.

The premier's visit comes after a series of meetings between Pakistani and Saudi officials, including a high-level visit in which Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed his support for Pakistan's development and investment prospects.

The visit also follows recent engagements involving Pakistan’s military leadership, with Army Chief General Asim Munir meeting with Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss regional security, defense cooperation, and bilateral relations.

These talks were aimed at further enhancing military collaboration and stabilizing the region amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Shehbaz's attendance at the Arab Islamic Summit underscores Pakistan's long-standing commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, which remains central to Islamabad’s foreign policy in the Middle East.