ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held separate telephonic conversations with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar as tensions escalated in the Middle East following the Israel-US attack on Iran.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and strongly condemned the serious regional escalation triggered by the Israeli attack on Iran, followed by regrettable strikes on Gulf countries.
Assuring the Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s full solidarity and support in the current situation, the prime minister said Pakistan would always stand with its Saudi brothers and sisters at all times and under all circumstances. He added that Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role during this difficult period and expressed the hope that the blessings of holy month of Ramazan would help restore peace to the region at the earliest.
Separately, the prime minister also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to convey Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the dangerous regional escalation following the Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent strikes against the UAE and other Gulf states.
In a post on X, the premier expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi, stating that Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the UAE and would always stand by its Emirati brothers and sisters in these difficult times.
In a separate telephone call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During the conversation, the prime minister strongly condemned the serious regional escalation caused by the Israeli attack on Iran earlier in the day, followed by regrettable attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries. Referring to his recent meeting with the Qatari leadership in Doha, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the brotherly State of Qatar amid the current crisis.
He assured the Amir that Pakistan would always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Qatar and play a positive and constructive role in efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability across the region.
Separately, Ishaq Dar on Saturday strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to the escalating tensions during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders reviewed the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the broader regional landscape amid heightened instability in the Middle East.
During the discussion, Dar stressed the urgent need for resumption of diplomatic engagement, underscoring the importance of de-escalation and a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue remains the only viable path to restoring regional stability.
Separately, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the unfolding regional developments and agreed to remain in close contact to coordinate views on the evolving situation.
Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday expressed deep regret over the breakdown of diplomatic talks and outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, warning that continued escalation could have far-reaching consequences for regional peace and stability.
In an official statement, Pakistan condemned the unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that they occurred at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to secure a peaceful and negotiated resolution. The ministry cautioned that such actions risk undermining stability across the entire region. At the same time, Pakistan strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on the brotherly Gulf countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, describing the strikes as blatant violations of their sovereignty. Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with these countries and underscored the need for maximum restraint by all sides.
Urging all parties to avoid further actions that could jeopardise the security and territorial integrity of regional states, Pakistan stressed the importance of adhering to international law and principles of the United Nations Charter. Reiterating its long-standing position, Pakistan called on all sides to immediately resume diplomatic engagement and pursue a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the crisis.
Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday advised Pakistani nationals to avoid all non-mandatory travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran in view of the prevailing security situation.
In an official advisory, the ministry urged Pakistani citizens currently residing in Iran to exercise maximum caution, remain vigilant and minimise non-essential movement. Nationals have also been advised to stay in regular contact with Pakistan’s diplomatic missions for updates and assistance.
The advisory provided emergency contact details for the Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran and its consular offices in other Iranian cities.
Embassy of Pakistan, Tehran: Landline: +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91/ Landline: +98-21-66-9448-88/90 /Mobile: +98 990 6824496/ Consulate in Zahidan: Landline: +98 54 33 22 3389/ Mobile: +98 90 46 145412/ Consulate in Mashhad: Mobile: +98 910 762 5302, Mobile: +98 937 180 7175 Mobile: +98 902 709 3994
The ministry reiterated that Pakistani nationals should remain in close coordination with the embassy and consulates to ensure their safety and security during the ongoing regional situation.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Saturday strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, describing it as a grave escalation with dangerous implications for regional peace and stability. In a statement, Bilawal said the Israeli aggression against Iran appeared to be an attempt to divert global attention from the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. He warned that such actions risk further destabilising an already volatile region.
Calling the strike a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the PPP chairman urged the international community to take immediate notice of the situation.
He also called upon the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take all possible measures to halt what he termed Israeli aggression and to work toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, official authorities said Pakistan has enough petrol, diesel stocks to last about 28 days. Energy officials in Islamabad said there is no immediate threat to domestic fuel supplies. A spokesperson for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) said, “The stocks position is very healthy, the country currently holds 28 days of petrol and diesel stocks, well above the mandatory requirement.”
Notably, the Petroleum Division has also directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to ensure mandatory stock levels, while supply chains remain operational through existing contracts and diversified sourcing, official said.
