Pakistan stands with KSA, PM tells MBS

Shehbaz speaks with crown prince to condemn Iranian strikes on industrial complex

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned Iran's missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities, terming them a "serious violation" of the kingdom's sovereignty and a dangerous escalation, while reiterating Islamabad's unwavering solidarity with Riyadh amid rising regional tensions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering and unflinching solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the Foreign Office expressed "deep concern and unequivocal condemnation" of the attacks carried out by Iran in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. It said Pakistan mourned the loss of life and deplored the damage to vital infrastructure, while extending condolences to the victims' families.

In his phone call to the crown prince, the prime minister assured that the people and the government of Pakistan would always stand shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brothers and sisters, just as the Saudi leadership and people had always supported Pakistan, through thick and thin.

He lauded the wisdom and sagacity of the Saudi leadership in exercising maximum restraint during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and said that Pakistan was working assiduously for the success of the peace efforts, in partnership with other countries.

He also apprised the crown prince of the latest developments in Pakistan's mediation efforts to de-escalate the Middle East crisis. The crown prince appreciated Pakistan's peace efforts, according to a news release from the Prime Minister's Office.

Separately, the Foreign Office said: "The Government of Pakistan considers these attacks a serious violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and stability.

Later, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with the Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and discussed the regional situation and evolving developments.

The deputy foreign minister also shared the latest developments in Pakistan's continued efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement in pursuit of peace and stability in the region, the Foreign Office said.