ISLAMABAD: PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince agree to meet ‘soon’ as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate, with recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure raising concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to remain in close contact and meet soon during a telephone conversation on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of increasing regional instability and growing concerns over attacks targeting vital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince agree to meet ‘soon’
During the telephone call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure.
The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, emphasizing that such attacks pose a threat to regional peace and security. He also warned that continued instability could further disrupt the global economy and international energy supplies.
PM Shehbaz said that he, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue their efforts to help defuse tensions and promote peace in the region.
He also praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for what he described as his wise and sagacious leadership throughout the ongoing crisis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his warm wishes and respectful regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s steadfast support for Saudi Arabia and its people. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shuts East-West oil pipeline
The leaders’ conversation came a day after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline following an aerial attack on the vital energy route.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, said the pipeline was closed as a precaution after a drone attack that both Riyadh and Baghdad said originated in Iraq.
The 1,200-kilometre pipeline runs across the Arabian Peninsula and has played a crucial role in transporting Saudi crude to global markets. It has become particularly important during the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely affected by the ongoing war.
Before its temporary closure, the pipeline was carrying between 4 million and 5 million barrels of crude oil per day, representing around 4% to 5% of global oil supplies.
The pipeline had helped Saudi Arabia avoid some of the disruption experienced by other Gulf oil and gas exporters amid the wider regional conflict.
Attack causes damage near Medina
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on the Saudi oil infrastructure. Satellite images reportedly showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina. Saudi authorities said the attack caused injuries and damage, while officials continued to assess its impact.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry did not immediately provide details about the effect of the attack on oil exports.US President Donald Trump, who was visiting Ireland to attend a golf tournament at one of his resorts, said Iran was probably responsible for the attack. No immediate claim confirming responsibility was reported.
Houthi projectile injures two in Jazan
Saudi Arabia also reported an attack in its southern Jazan region.Saudi Civil Defence said on Saturday that a projectile fired by the Houthis injured two people and damaged several buildings, including a mosque. Despite the attacks, Saudi Arabia has so far chosen not to retaliate. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Riyadh’s decision followed a request from the Iraqi prime minister.
Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts
The latest discussion between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlights Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement as regional tensions intensify.
Islamabad has emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and preventing the conflict from spreading further. Pakistan has also expressed concern that prolonged instability could have consequences for international trade, energy supplies and the wider global economy.
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The temporary shutdown of the East-West pipeline has added another layer of uncertainty to already disrupted energy markets. Any prolonged interruption to major oil transportation routes could have implications for crude supplies and prices worldwide.
Against this backdrop, the agreement between Prime Minister Shehbaz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to meet at an early date is expected to provide an opportunity for further discussions on regional security, energy stability and diplomatic efforts.
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and reaffirmed their intention to meet soon as efforts continue to promote peace and prevent further escalation in the region.
