Amb. A M Shahid (Former Diplomat):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with a high level delegation is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. This visit is significant in the wake of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact. As per defence pact, any attack on Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be considered as an attack on both countries. Pakistan’s diplomatic skills have won global appeal and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir made joint mediatory efforts between US and Iran. Thus Pakistan’s diplomatic role is at the peak at the moment. This visit is important in the prevailing tensions between Iran and US in the region. During this visit, enhanced cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will be discussed in the background of regional tensions. Pakistan’s economic needs will also come under discussion at higher level.

Dr. Hassan Daud But (IR Expert):I think that diplomatic circles active on next phase of Iran-US peace agreement may be divulging on future course of action. I think that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia may be beginning of Islamabad declaration phase-II. I think that Pakistan will play a pragmatic role in Mideast peace. Pakistan has great potential for people to people and cultural linkages with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Overall Pakistan understands the way forward to peace agreement between Iran and the US. In this context Pakistan is in contact with Saudi and Iranian leaderships. Pakistan wants to bring Muslim countries closer. We have similar cultures and resembling languages like Urdu, Persian and Arabic. I think that Pakistan must have harmonious ties with Gulf countries because this may offer great opportunities to Pakistan benefit from long term partnerships between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Potential partnerships can bring people to people closer for regional economic integration.

Dr. Noor Fatima (IR Expert):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia is very important in the background Pakistan’s exemplary diplomatic role in regional tensions. Pakistan’s diplomacy has no parallel in the world and this diplomacy lifted Pakistan’s diplomatic outlook globally. Saudi Arabia reposed trust in Pakistan and Pakistan reposed trust in Saudi Arabia. Relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been very strong since ever and defence pact further cemented these strong ties. Now Pakistan and Saudi Arabia want to invest on the either side which will further strengthen bilateral economic ties between both the countries.