ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a multi-pronged diplomatic offensive on Wednesday, reaching out to Gulf leaders as Pakistan intensified efforts to de-escalate the tensions in the Middle East.
The prime minister held separate telephonic conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, briefing them on Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic outreach urging all parties to resolve differences through dialogue. Both the Gulf leaders appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts and agreed to maintain close coordination at every level between their countries.
In call with MBS, the prime minister briefed the Saudi crown prince on Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic outreach to all parties, urging de-escalation in the Middle East and resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
The crown prince deeply appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts, the PM’s media office said in a statement. On the occasion, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed, once again, Pakistan’s complete solidarity and unequivocal support for the kingdom and its people in these challenging times.
Appreciating the leadership of the kingdom for demonstrating remarkable restraint in the current crisis, the prime minister reassured MBS that Pakistan would always stand by the kingdom and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia, just as they had always supported Pakistan through thick and thin.
The prime minister called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to normalcy so that the regional situation could be stabilised. He also called for unity and harmony in the ranks of Ummah, which was needed more than ever before. During their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed heartfelt Eidul Fitr greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, MBS and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These sentiments were most graciously reciprocated by the Saudi crown prince.
MBS appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts. Both the leaders agreed to maintain close coordination at every level between the two countries. In prime minister’s phone call with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both the leaders discussed the regional situation.
During their warm and cordial conversation, Shehbaz conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to the emir and brotherly people of Qatar. These sentiments and good wishes were reciprocated by Sheikh Tamim, a press release issued by the PM Office said.
The prime minister expressed his serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region. He reiterated strong condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other brotherly Gulf countries and conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives in these attacks, while praying for the injured.
He assured the emir of Pakistan’s full solidarity and support with the brotherly people of Qatar, especially at this challenging time. While appreciating Qatar’s remarkable restraint in the wake of ongoing hostilities, the prime minister apprised the emir of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and its peace efforts. He emphasised that Pakistan had consistently called on all parties to de-escalate and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Qatar emir appreciated Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts for regional peace. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.
On the domestic front, PM Shehbaz held a meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who called on him along with a delegation to discuss the evolving situation in the Gulf region and matters of national importance.
During the meeting, the prime minister apprised the PPP chairman of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting global peace in the light of prevailing regional tensions.
Both the leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the country’s internal and external security challenges, as well as policy measures to address potential risks arising from the situation.
Bilawal appreciated the federal government’s policy direction and strategic approach in navigating the country through challenging circumstances, particularly regarding the possible implications of conflict in the region.
He expressed support for the federal government’s approach to dealing with potential risks stemming from the conflict scenario. The meeting also reviewed development projects underway in Sindh under the federal government, with both the sides discussing progress and future priorities.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla were also present.
Meanwhile, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to expedite the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries without affecting domestic food requirements. He was chairing a review meeting on exports of essential food items to the Gulf countries and Pakistan’s maritime operations in the wake of current regional situation.
He expressed satisfaction over the strategy formulated for supplying food items to Gulf countries and the progress achieved so far. He appreciated the performance of relevant departments and officials working in this regard.
Shehbaz further instructed all the departments concerned to remain in close contact with Gulf countries regarding the provision of required food items and their food security. He said in view of the current regional situation, where global supply lines are affected, it is Pakistan’s responsibility to take care of the food needs of Gulf countries.
Besides, he directed to ensure complete monitoring of demand and supply of food items to meet domestic needs. He added that no delay in decision-making at the government level will be tolerated and those responsible for delays will be held accountable.
The prime minister also directed to prepare a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar and other major international airports of the country. The meeting was briefed on measures taken regarding exports of essential commodities to Gulf countries. It was informed that a special committee has approved forty food items for export, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
The meeting was apprised that a database of exporters engaged in trade with Gulf countries has been prepared. It was also informed that no additional charges will be imposed on the export of vegetables, fruits and meat. Exports of food items will be carried out through both air and sea open routes, while business-to-business meetings and webinars are being organised with Gulf countries.
Participants of the meeting were further informed that ports of Karachi and Bin Qasim remained fully operational during the Eid holidays. To increase transshipment capacity, off-dock terminals have also been allowed to handle transshipment, for which necessary amendments have been made in Customs rules.
It was also shared that transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent, export facilitation desks have been established and vessels carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing at ports.
DPM Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Khwaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Chaudhry Junaid Anwar, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahad Cheema attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said there had been no talks between Washington or Tehran, after US President Donald Trump signalled tentative progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war. “We have also heard such details through the media, but according to my information -- and contrary to Trump’s claims -- so far no negotiations, direct or indirect, have taken place between the two countries,” said ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, adding that it was “natural that friendly countries are always engaged in consultations with both sides to end this illegitimate aggression”.
