Prime minister leads high-level delegation to strengthen economic ties and position Pakistan as a regional diplomatic player
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on Wednesday for a crucial four-day diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, aiming to reinforce strategic partnerships and navigate evolving regional security challenges.
The visit, scheduled from April 15 to 18, comes at a sensitive time following Pakistan’s involvement in facilitating recent peace talks between the United States and Iran, which concluded without a breakthrough.
The prime minister is accompanied by a senior delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Officials describe the tour as a strategic effort to secure economic relief and strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic footprint. In Riyadh, discussions are expected to center on financial support, with reports indicating a potential $3 billion deposit and extension of a $5 billion facility to stabilize Pakistan’s foreign reserves.
Talks in both Riyadh and Doha will also focus on investment cooperation and addressing regional security concerns, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East affecting energy routes and maritime stability.
The final leg in Türkiye will see Sharif attend the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will present Pakistan’s stance on global cooperation and shifting geopolitical dynamics. A key bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also expected to review ongoing economic collaboration frameworks.
The visit highlights Islamabad’s push for proactive diplomacy as regional uncertainties continue to shape global alignments.
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