ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 09, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the escalating situation in South Asia, with a particular focus on rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

During the high-level meeting, Minister Al-Jubeir conveyed the Kingdom’s deep concern over the deteriorating regional security environment and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s call for restraint and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India. He underscored the importance of adhering to international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

The Saudi minister is currently on a one-day official visit to Pakistan aimed at advancing regional diplomacy and reaffirming Saudi-Pakistani bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory in relations between the two brotherly nations and lauded Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Pakistan, particularly during times of crisis. He also voiced appreciation for the Kingdom’s efforts to defuse regional tensions.

Condemning what he described as India’s “unprovoked missile and drone strikes” on Pakistani territory, the prime minister said the attacks had killed dozens of innocent civilians — including women and children — and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. He called the aggression a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

The prime minister paid tribute to the Pakistani armed forces for their “courage and professionalism” in defending the nation against external threats. He emphasized that Pakistan remained fully committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Al-Jubeir offered condolences on behalf of the Kingdom over the loss of innocent lives and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Pakistan in these challenging times.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his warm regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held separate talks with Minister Al-Jubeir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Senator Dar appreciated the Kingdom’s diplomatic engagement in the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia.

Both sides pledged to further strengthen their long-standing partnership, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.