Pakistan’s PM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Crafting Enduring Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy robust economic, political, and defense ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Pakistani premier emphasized that both nations share common views on regional issues and are working closely to transform this relationship into a mutually beneficial economic and strategic partnership.
Sharif revealed that Pakistan eagerly anticipates the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Islamabad is meticulously preparing to ensure the success of this visit,” he stated, predicting that it will be a “turning point in the history of bilateral cooperation, culminating in a strengthened economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
Earlier, on May 19, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had a phone call with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the discussions involved “preliminary arrangements” for the Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan, with the date to be determined later by mutual agreement.
Sharif, re-elected as Pakistan’s Prime Minister in March 2024, made Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit. On April 7, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah.
Later in April, he returned to Riyadh for the World Economic Forum, meeting the Crown Prince again.
In mid-April, a high-level Saudi delegation led by Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat visited Islamabad.
The team included ministers from key sectors such as investment, agriculture, environment, industry, and energy, meeting with top Pakistani officials to boost cooperation.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Strengthen Defense Ties
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have stepped up their defense talks recently. Saudi Assistant Defense Minister Talal Al-Otaibi met with Pakistani officials in mid-April, marking the fourth meeting in less than a month.
This followed the Saudi Crown Prince’s meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on March 20 and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan on March 23.
“A high-level Saudi military delegation discussed long-term defense cooperation with our military leaders,” Sharif told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“We assured them of our full support for future Saudi investments in Pakistan,” he said, adding that these talks highlight the commitment to regional and global peace and security.
Sharif emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood together. Our bond goes beyond geography and includes strong religious and cultural ties,” said the prime minister.
“Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of Pakistani expatriates, and frequent visits by our leaders show the importance of our relationship,” he noted.
Addressing reports about Saudi investments in Pakistan, Sharif confirmed that during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he reaffirmed commitment to facilitating investments.
“The follow-up visit by the Saudi Foreign Minister and his team emphasized building a lasting strategic partnership,” asserted the premier.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to Boost Cricket Cooperation
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are looking to boost their collaboration in sports, especially cricket, where Pakistan excels internationally. As Saudi Arabia’s sports sector grows, Sharif emphasized both countries' commitment to harnessing the potential of sports cooperation.
Sharif pointed to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the Saudi and Pakistani football federations. This agreement aims to strengthen ties and promote sports growth in both nations.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s efforts to develop its football scene through its first international partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Sharif stated that Pakistan’s extensive experience in cricket and the success of the Pakistan Super League can greatly benefit Saudi Arabia in developing its cricket scene.
“Saudi Arabia is eager to enhance its cricket capabilities, and Pakistan’s rich cricket expertise will be invaluable,” Sharif said. He highlighted the enthusiasm and talent of Pakistani youth, noting the need for training support where both nations excel.
Sharif also emphasized the potential of sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, urging both countries to maximize this opportunity for mutual benefit.
Pakistan Concerned About Middle East Escalation
Sharif expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent further conflict and urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Regarding recent events, Sharif noted: “The Israeli attack on the Iranian consular office in Syria was a significant escalation in an already troubled region. It violated international diplomatic agreements and laws.”
He also highlighted the serious consequences when the UN Security Council fails to maintain international peace and security.
Sharif reiterated the need for all parties involved to remain calm and work towards de-escalation.
“We urge everyone to exercise restraint and work towards calming the situation. Stability and peace restoration are now urgent priorities,” he emphasized.
Pakistan Calls for Ceasefire, Accountability from Israel
In a clear statement, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s condemnation of Israel’s indiscriminate use of force in Gaza.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid for Gaza’s residents, the return of displaced Palestinians, and accountability for Israel's actions.
Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by urgently imposing a ceasefire and ending the violence.
Additionally, Pakistan emphasized the need for a just and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue, including the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on pre-June 1967 borders.
Concerns Rise Over ‘Pakistani Taliban’
Regarding relations with Afghanistan, governed by the Taliban since mid-2021, Sharif pointed to the “deep ties as two brotherly Muslim nations” that bind Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He emphasized the priority of Afghanistan’s regional security and sovereignty, expecting mutual respect from the interim Afghan government.
“We've consistently urged Afghanistan to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” Sharif further explained.
“We’ve reached agreements bilaterally and trilaterally with China and collaborated multilaterally with the international community.”
“We're worried that terrorist groups, especially the Pakistani Taliban, operate freely in Afghanistan, posing a threat to Pakistan.”
“We'll keep striving for joint solutions in combating terrorism and ensuring no terrorist organization disrupts bilateral relations with Afghanistan,” affirmed Sharif.
Domestic Priorities: Law, Counterterrorism
Sharif hinted at his government’s four-month-old agenda, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that “our new government’s top priorities are maintaining law and order and eradicating the terrorism threat.”
He emphasized that the government will primarily focus on “creating a conducive environment for foreign investors through the Special Council for Investment Facilitation,” adding that the government, as a policy leader, plays a crucial role in facilitating entrepreneurs’ efforts to enhance ease of doing business.
“The government is also working on curbing inflation, alleviating poverty, and generating employment opportunities,” added Sharif.
“We will accelerate progress in agriculture, livestock, information technology, and small and medium-sized enterprises.”
“The government will reduce its expenditure and will not allow further squandering of the poor’s money,” he asserted.
“Under the agricultural strategy, direct subsidies will be provided to farmers in rural areas to ensure access to fertilizers,” revealed Sharif.