Pakistan PM calls for unity among Muslim Ummah in call with Saudi crown prince

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia moved to strengthen their longstanding alliance on Wednesday, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressing his intention to visit Pakistan next year following a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The conversation between the two leaders came on a day of intense diplomatic activity, as Sharif also met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki at the Prime Minister's House and Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement backing Riyadh amid renewed violence in Yemen.

During the phone call, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, which Sharif said have "reached new heights in recent months."

The prime minister emphasized the need to maintain "unity and harmony among the Muslim Ummah" and underscored that "dialogue and diplomacy are essential to ensuring regional peace and stability."

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanked Sharif for the conversation and reiterated the Kingdom's desire to further enhance cooperation with Pakistan "in all areas of mutual interest."

A visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would mark a significant diplomatic milestone. The Crown Prince last visited Pakistan in 2019, when the two countries signed investment agreements worth billions of dollars.

Pakistan concerned over Yemen

Separately, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" over the renewed outbreak of violence in Yemen, reaffirming "complete solidarity" with Saudi Arabia and "firm commitment to the Kingdom's security."

The statement opposed "any unilateral actions by Yemeni parties that could escalate tensions or undermine ongoing peace efforts," warning that such actions "threaten Yemen's stability and pose serious risks to regional peace and security."

Pakistan welcomed regional initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and expressed hope that Yemeni parties and regional stakeholders would work toward "an inclusive and lasting political settlement."

Saudi Arabia has been a key financial backer of Pakistan, providing billions of dollars in deposits and oil credit facilities as Islamabad navigates an ongoing economic stabilization program with the International Monetary Fund.