Islamabad, April 15, 2026 - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed today on a high-profile four-day diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, as Pakistan intensifies efforts to support regional peace and a possible second round of direct US-Iran negotiations.
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The visit, scheduled from April 15 to 18, comes amid the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the tour reflects Islamabad's "continued commitment to constructive diplomacy and multilateral cooperation" in the face of Middle East tensions.
Sharif's first stop is Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss regional peace, security, and bilateral cooperation. He will then travel to Qatar for similar high-level talks focused on energy, economic ties, and the current Gulf crisis.
The final leg of the tour will take the Prime Minister to Turkey, where he will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and hold bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other world leaders on the sidelines.
The tour is widely seen as a strategic move to rally support from key Muslim nations ahead of potential renewed US-Iran talks, which President Donald Trump has indicated could resume soon, possibly again in Islamabad. Pakistan successfully hosted the first round of historic direct negotiations last weekend, though they ended without a full agreement.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is accompanying the Prime Minister. Analysts believe Sharif aims to build consensus on de-escalation, ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent further escalation that could impact global energy markets and regional stability.
This diplomatic push underscores Pakistan's growing role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing crisis.
