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PM Reaffirms ‘Unwavering Solidarity’ with Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, reaffirming Pakistan’s “unwavering and unflinching solidarity and support” for the Kingdom following Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi energy facilities .
The call came after Iran launched attacks on a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail industrial city in the Eastern Province, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict .
“PM Shehbaz reaffirmed unwavering and unflinching solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of the ongoing attacks, and reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the attack on the Al Jubail oil facility earlier today,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated .
The Prime Minister assured the Crown Prince that the Pakistani people and government would always stand “shoulder to shoulder” with their Saudi brothers and sisters, recalling that Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan through “thick and thin” .
Defense Pact Provides Framework for Cooperation
The conversation comes against the backdrop of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, which states that aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both .
A Pakistani security official confirmed that Pakistan will stand with Saudi Arabia under the defense pact if the Iran war escalates . The pact has been publicly invoked by Pakistani officials in communications with Tehran, serving as a deterrent message .
The SMDA has been described by analysts as a framework modeled on collective defense principles comparable to NATO’s Article 5, formalizing decades of close military cooperation between the two nations .
PM Lauds Saudi Restraint, Briefs on Mediation Efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded the “wisdom and restraint” shown by the Saudi leadership during the ongoing crisis, acknowledging that Riyadh’s measured response has helped preserve space for diplomatic solutions .
The Prime Minister also apprised the Crown Prince of the latest developments in Pakistan’s mediation efforts to de-escalate the Middle East crisis. According to the PMO statement, “Pakistan is working assiduously for the success of peace efforts in partnership with other countries” .
The Crown Prince reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at restoring regional stability and ending the ongoing crisis .
Foreign Office Condemns Attacks, Mourns Victims
Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement expressing “deep concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the Iranian attacks on Saudi energy facilities .
“Pakistan mourns the loss of life resulting from these attacks and strongly deplores the damage inflicted on vital infrastructure. The Government of Pakistan conveys its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and firmly stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this difficult time,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said .
The statement described the attacks as “a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and stability” .
Military Leadership Condemns ‘Unnecessary Escalation’
The 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, also condemned the strikes, terming them an “unnecessary escalation” that could undermine ongoing mediation efforts .
The military forum appreciated that despite “severe provocations,” Saudi Arabia has so far shown restraint and wisdom, paving the way for a diplomatic solution, while warning that continued aggression could affect the peace process .
Strategic Implications
Pakistan’s response reflects its delicate balancing act as a key mediator between the United States and Iran while maintaining its strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia .
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, stated that Pakistan’s “positive and productive endeavours” to end the war are approaching a “critical, sensitive stage,” suggesting that Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts remain active despite the escalating tensions .
The SMDA, now facing its first wartime test, will determine how seriously Gulf states take Pakistan’s defense commitments—and how Islamabad balances its obligations to Riyadh with its mediation role between Washington and Tehran
