Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday arrived in Cairo to attend the Regional Foreign Ministers&rsquo; Meeting on 21 June, where he will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines,&nbsp;as regional powers seek to consolidate diplomatic efforts following the end of the Iran-US conflict. The meeting comes at a critical stage in the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which ended 110 days of conflict between Washington and Tehran and established a 60-day framework for negotiations on outstanding issues. &ldquo;Upon arrival, he was received by Mr. Nazih El Naggary, Assistant Foreign Minister for Policy Planning, Research, Crisis Management and Assessments, and Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Aamir Shouket,&rdquo; the Foreign Office added. The R-4 group first met in Islamabad in March amid growing regional tensions, with member states coordinating diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability. Since then, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, T&uuml;rkiye and Egypt have remained closely engaged on developments surrounding the conflict and subsequent peace efforts. According to a statement issued by Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office, the Cairo meeting will &ldquo;discuss regional developments and exchange views on issues related to peace, security and stability.&rdquo;&nbsp; The ministry said participants would also explore ways to &ldquo;further strengthen&rdquo; cooperation among the four countries in areas of shared interest. The gathering follows the postponement of technical-level Iran-US talks that had been expected to take place in Switzerland.&nbsp; Prime Minister&#39;s Office sources told Pakistan Television that the meeting was deferred after the Islamabad MoU was electronically signed and entered its implementation phase, with technical discussions now expected to be held separately on multiple issues covered under the agreement. The accord requires an immediate cessation of military operations between the United States, Iran and their allies, provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and launches negotiations on broader political, security and nuclear-related matters under the 60-day implementation framework. During his visit to Cairo, Dar is also scheduled to meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.&nbsp; The Foreign Office said Pakistan attaches &ldquo;great importance&rdquo; to its relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and T&uuml;rkiye, describing the R-4 framework as a reflection of the four countries&#39; shared commitment to &ldquo;consultation, cooperation and coordinated efforts&rdquo; in support of regional peace, security, and prosperity.

Foreign Affairs

Regional mediators Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will meet in Cairo as implementation of the Iran-US agreement advances, with officials expected to discuss regional stability, future negotiations and coordinated efforts to preserve diplomatic momentum.


Pakistan FM arrived in Cairo to attend meeting as mediators back Islamabad MoU

MIAMI: Uruguay dominated but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in the sweltering heat of Miami on Monday to leave an intriguing Group H wide open. The stalemate came hours after one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when European champions Spain were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in the same group. After the first round of games in the pool all four teams have one point. Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay&#39;s second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo. Marcelo Bielsa&#39;s Uruguay racked up 22 shots in the second period but the Saudi defence and goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais doggedly held firm. &quot;We should have won this match,&quot; said the colourful Argentine Bielsa, whose side play Cape Verde next. &quot;We weren&#39;t able to show the best version of ourselves,&quot; he added, admitting that his side only got going in the second half. Uruguay, World Cup winners in 1930 and 1950, saw their arrival in the United States from Mexico delayed by a snag with the paperwork for their plane. In evening temperatures of more than 30C and energy-sapping humidity, both teams struggled to create much in front of goal early on. Just after the half-hour mark the Saudi stopper Owais was called into action for a second time to parry a diving header from close range by Federico Vinas. The Saudis, who stunned eventual champions Argentina 2-1 to start their campaign at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, looked to hit their opponents on the break. They had their first real opportunity shortly before half-time when Amri forced Fernando Muslera to palm away his fizzing shot. Four minutes before the break the defender did score, reacting fastest to poke home from close range after Muslera spilled a header from a corner. Uruguay finally come to lifeAfter a toothless first period, Bielsa had seen enough, dragging off defender Matias Vina and anonymous former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. Winger Agustin Canobbio and left-sided Juan Manuel Sanabria were introduced. The double substitution sparked Uruguay -- who surprisingly did not play a single World Cup warm-up game -- into lift. Saudi coach Georgios Donis, brought in just two months before the tournament, saw his team retreat farther and farther back. On the hour Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte pinged the ball against the foot of the Saudi post from well outside the box. The pressure finally told late on when Owais made a mess of a routine stop and Araujo gobbled up the rebound. There looked to be only one winner after that, but Saudi Arabia just about held on for a vital point.

Football

Uruguay fight back to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia after dominating the second half, leaving Group H wide open with all four teams level on one point following the opening round of matches.

Uruguay frustrated by dogged Saudi Arabia in World Cup draw

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched its post-Hajj flight operations to bring home nearly 119,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year, with more than 450 flights scheduled from various Saudi cities throughout June. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the first return flight, PIA flight PK964, is scheduled to depart Jeddah for Sialkot at 10:20 pm on Monday. On the first day of the operation, June 10, a total of 21 flights will transport 5,628 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. Of these, five flights will arrive in Islamabad while four each are scheduled to land in Lahore and Karachi. The ministry said the month-long operation will continue until June 30, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, Air Sial, and Airblue participating in the repatriation effort. In a separate statement, PIA said it will operate 213 flights to transport around 56,000 pilgrims back to Pakistan. The airline&rsquo;s flights will arrive in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, and Quetta. According to official figures, approximately 197,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj this year. Pakistan&rsquo;s pre-Hajj flight operation began on April 18, facilitating the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Culture

Pakistan has launched its post-Hajj operations, with over 450 flights scheduled to return nearly 119,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia; the month-long repatriation effort will continue until June 30.

Over 115,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to return via 450 flights  

MAKKAH: Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East. The conflict was triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Major Gulf airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have restored much of their operational capacity. Pilgrims have continued to flock to Saudi Arabia to participate in hajj this year. &quot;The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,&quot; Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia&#39;s Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday. These figures are expected to rise further over the next two days as pilgrims continue to arrive from abroad ahead of the hajj on Monday. Last year, the total number of pilgrims at the hajj reached 1,673,320, including 1,506,576 from outside Saudi Arabia. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

Middle East

'The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,' Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia's Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday.

Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Hajj operation for this year is gathering pace, with more than 35,000 pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, an official said on Tuesday. According to the Coordinator of Facilitation and Coordination, Nasir Aziz Khan, a total of 35,135 pilgrims have reached the kingdom so far via 137 flights, reported APP. Of these, 21,063 are currently in Makkah, while 14,072 are in Medina, according to the report.&nbsp;Authorities have deployed 948 welfare staff and Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj across key locations to assist pilgrims from arrival at airports to their accommodation, part of efforts to streamline logistics for one of the world&rsquo;s largest annual religious gatherings.&nbsp;The deployment of welfare staff is being finalized to further facilitate pilgrims, the report said. The staff includes 598 Moavineen (helpers), 184 medical personnel and 158 Khuddam, all operating in shifts around the clock, Khan said, adding that teams were on &ldquo;high alert 24/7&rdquo; to support pilgrims. According to the Consolidated Daily Situation Report, medical assistance has been provided to 6,613 outpatients at hospitals and dispensaries in Makkah and Medina. It added that in Makkah, guidance services helped 6,525 pilgrims reach their destinations, while in Madinah, 15,462 pilgrims have completed their visit to Riaz-ul-Jannah.&nbsp;&ldquo;The mission successfully resolved 2,815 out of 2,832 requests regarding lost luggage in Medina, ensuring the belongings were returned to the pilgrims,&rdquo; as per the report.&nbsp;Khan reaffirmed the mission&rsquo;s commitment to utilizing all available resources to provide the &ldquo;best travel and residential facilities.&rdquo; He said the primary goal is to ensure pilgrims can focus entirely on performing their Hajj rituals with peace of mind.

Economy

According to the Coordinator of Facilitation and Coordination, Nasir Aziz Khan, over 35,000 pilgrims have reached the kingdom.

Pakistan Hajj operation accelerates as thousands of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has expressed concern over rising military tensions in the region, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts to achieve a political solution.&nbsp;In an official statement, the Kingdom warned that continued escalation could push the region toward further instability, stressing that such a scenario would not serve the interests of regional or global peace. It underscored the importance of dialogue and supported Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation role in defusing tensions.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also highlighted the need to restore normal maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, urging the international community to ensure safe and unrestricted passage of vessels to safeguard global trade routes. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051590497739665606&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2d04233a2166bf1bd07dbae69b0b0ad230b8a510&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The development comes as Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned recent missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;In a statement, Sharif expressed full solidarity with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Emirati people, reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s support during what he described as a difficult time.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051560804416360773&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2d04233a2166bf1bd07dbae69b0b0ad230b8a510&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&ldquo;It is absolutely essential that the ceasefire be maintained to create diplomatic space for dialogue,&rdquo; the prime minister said, emphasizing that peaceful engagement remains key to achieving lasting regional stability.&nbsp;In a statement, Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the missile and drone attacks carried out against the UAE.&nbsp;He further added that Pakistan stands with the people of UAE and express full solidarity with the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051718385432764744&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1d9cce6f127584c2d18b071423411fc9278ec03c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2051718385432764744">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to continue efforts for lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond. The coordinated calls from Riyadh and Islamabad reflect growing international concern over escalating tensions, with both sides urging restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 06, 2026. (File photo: MOFA) 

The statement comes as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned recent missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia backs Pakistan mediation, calls for restraint

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have called on Afghan refugees currently stranded abroad to return home, asserting that the country is safe and that citizens face no security threat under their rule. In a statement issued on Saturday, the foreign ministry of &nbsp;the interim Afghan government said it had received reports that Afghan nationals in Qatar, many of whom are awaiting US visas, are being asked to choose between returning to Afghanistan or relocating to a third country.&nbsp; Among the countries reportedly under consideration is the Democratic Republic of Congo. Describing Afghanistan as &ldquo;the shared home of all Afghans,&rdquo; the ministry encouraged refugees to come back, assuring them they could do so without fear. It also stated that those wishing to migrate elsewhere could pursue opportunities later through &ldquo;legal and dignified&rdquo; channels. The statement emphasized the Taliban&rsquo;s willingness to cooperate with other governments through consular agreements to safeguard Afghan citizens&rsquo; rights.&nbsp; It further insisted that &ldquo;no one currently faces security threats in Afghanistan,&rdquo; dismissing concerns about instability or persecution. Uncertain futureThe appeal comes as uncertainty grows for roughly 1,100 Afghan refugees housed at As Sayliyah camp in Qatar. The group includes interpreters, former special forces personnel, and family members of individuals who worked with US forces.&nbsp; According to media reports, the US administration has halted resettlement programs for Afghan refugees, leaving many unable to travel to the United States.&nbsp; Officials have also indicated plans to shut down the camp, prompting discussions about relocating refugees to third countries. A senior US official said Washington is in talks with multiple nations regarding possible resettlement options, noting that keeping refugees indefinitely in Qatar is &ldquo;not a viable solution.&rdquo;&nbsp;However, the US has not formally confirmed any agreement to transfer refugees to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that some Afghan refugees in Qatar have been offered financial incentives to return to Afghanistan, raising further concerns among aid groups. Concerns over safety persistDespite Taliban assurances, international organizations remain deeply skeptical.&nbsp; The United Nations and other human rights groups have repeatedly warned that Afghanistan remains unsafe for many returnees, particularly women, journalists, human rights defenders, and former government or military personnel. Human rights advocates argue that the Taliban&rsquo;s claims of nationwide security do not reflect the realities faced by vulnerable groups, many of whom fear persecution if forced to return.

The Taliban government said on Saturday that Afghans who fled to Qatar, fearing reprisals over their collaboration with US forces, may return home “with full confidence.” (AFP/File)

Afghanistan

The Taliban have urged Afghan refugees in Qatar to return home amid uncertainty over US resettlement and possible relocation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite ongoing international safety concerns.

Taliban ask Afghan refugees in Qatar to return home

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced on Tuesday that it had received $1 billion from Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance, marking the second tranche of a recently agreed $3 billion financial support package.&nbsp;In a statement, the central bank said the first tranche of $2 billion had been received on April 15, 2026, while the latest inflow completes the full amount committed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2046443757072228585&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=b909f9899687ff4a9f9bd982c027710a9f4a2b49&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>Last week, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Saudi Arabia had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/saudi-arabia-commits-3b-in-additional-deposits-for-pakistan" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits</a>&nbsp;to help strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s external account position, with disbursement expected shortly.&nbsp;He also noted that the existing $5 billion Saudi deposit, which had previously been renewed annually, would now be extended for three years instead of following the earlier rollover arrangement.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters in Washington, Aurangzeb had said the new funding follows Riyadh&rsquo;s decision to prolong the rollover of the existing $5 billion deposit.&nbsp;A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance also confirmed to Reuters that the kingdom had agreed to provide the $3 billion deposit to support Pakistan&rsquo;s balance of payments.&nbsp;Pakistan is currently facing pressure on its foreign exchange reserves due to a $3.5 billion repayment due to the United Arab Emirates this month, an amount equivalent to nearly 18% of its reserves.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has frequently provided financial assistance to Pakistan during times of economic difficulty. In 2018, Riyadh announced a $6 billion support package that included a $3 billion deposit with Pakistan&rsquo;s central bank and $3 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payment terms.

Headquarters of the State Bank of Pakistan in Karachi. (File photo: Radio Pakistan)

The payment comes as the second tranche of the $3 billion deposits recently agreed by Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan receives $1B from Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his official visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) said in a press release. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 694px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044514583872749882&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4ef725290cec625d11ab9f6161e0727108fdf9d6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> In a post on his X account, the premier said he had the pleasure and honor of meeting the crown prince, during which he conveyed &quot;Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom,&quot; expressing deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia&#39;s patience and restraint during these challenging times. &quot;I also shared recent developments related to Pakistan&rsquo;s peace efforts, which helped facilitate the US&ndash;Iran ceasefire and historic peace talks in Islamabad,&quot; PM Sharif said, reiterating firm commitment to advance efforts to &quot;encourage both the US and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.&quot; <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-4" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-4&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044547495334683049&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4ef725290cec625d11ab9f6161e0727108fdf9d6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> &quot;I also expressed sincere appreciation for the Kingdom&rsquo;s consistent support for Pakistan&rsquo;s economic stability, while highlighting the unique defence and security relationship between our two countries. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our enduring partnership,&quot; he added. Separately, in a post on X, FM Dar said that meeting with the crown prince was &quot;marked by warmth, brotherhood, and a shared vision for a stronger Pakistan&ndash;Saudi Arabia partnership.&quot;&nbsp; &quot;The Prime Minister reaffirmed our deep-rooted ties, built on faith, trust, and mutual respect, and explored avenues to further enhance cooperation across all sectors,&quot; he said, adding that Saudi Arabia was a &quot;special place for Pakistanis, and we remain committed to strengthening this historic and fraternal relationship for generations to come.&quot; <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 744px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044516185262493975&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4ef725290cec625d11ab9f6161e0727108fdf9d6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Prime Minister Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by a high-level delegation, the PMO said in a press release earlier. PM Sharif was received at the airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah region, along with Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, and Pakistan&rsquo;s envoy to Riyadh, Ahmed Farooq, said the statement. The talks between the crown prince and the prime minister are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries and exchanging views on the evolving regional situation, the statement said. Foreign Minister Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and foreign media coordinator Musharraf Zaidi are part of the visiting delegation. Earlier, the announcement of the PM leaving for Jeddah came shortly after Finance Minister Aurangzeb said that Saudi Arabia has committed an additional $3 billion in deposits to Pakistan, with disbursement expected within a week, providing timely support for the country&rsquo;s external financing needs.&nbsp;Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-finance-minister-outlines-macroeconomic-outlook-reform-progress-at-uspakistan-business-council-luncheon" target="_blank" style="font-size: 18px; color: rgb(0, 115, 230);" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026</a>, the finance minister said the Kingdom has also agreed to extend its existing $5 billion deposit for a longer period, moving away from the earlier annual rollover arrangement. During his visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the prime minister is expected to hold high-level meetings with the leadership of both countries to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional peace and security.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 720px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044421268162703720&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4ef725290cec625d11ab9f6161e0727108fdf9d6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>In T&uuml;rkiye, the prime minister will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will join a panel of leaders to present Pakistan&rsquo;s perspective on key global issues. On the sidelines of the forum, Sharif is also expected to meet Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other world leaders. Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in the forum reflects its commitment to constructive diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and engagement on global challenges.

Conveys unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom, expresses deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's patience and restraint during these challenging times; FM Dar says that meeting with the crown prince was "marked by warmth, brotherhood, and a shared vision for a stronger Pakistan–Saudi Arabia partnership." 

PM Sharif shares efforts behind US-Iran ceasefire with Saudi crown prince

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Saudi Arabia has committed an additional $3 billion in deposits to Pakistan, with disbursement expected within a week, providing timely support for the country&rsquo;s external financing needs. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-finance-minister-outlines-macroeconomic-outlook-reform-progress-at-uspakistan-business-council-luncheon" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026</a>, the finance minister said the Kingdom has also agreed to extend its existing $5 billion deposit for a longer period, moving away from the earlier annual rollover arrangement. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044247340308148616&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=6cce7b9fd498f49855a1f8e1b89c9a140954b443&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Aurangzeb said the fresh inflows would help strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserves and support its external account, as the government aims to build reserves to around $18 billion, equivalent to about 3.3 months of import cover, by the end of the current fiscal year. He said Pakistan remains committed to meeting all external obligations on time, noting that the recent repayment of a $1.4 billion Eurobond was completed smoothly. The minister said Pakistan&rsquo;s external financing plan is well-defined and being implemented in a disciplined manner under the IMF-supported program. He added that during his visit, he held detailed talks with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan and senior Pakistani officials to finalize the support package. Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for continued financial backing and close cooperation. He said Pakistan is receiving strong recognition from international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as global investors, for its economic reforms and diplomatic engagement. The minister added that Pakistan is advancing efforts to diversify funding sources through initiatives such as the Global Medium-Term Note program and a planned Panda Bond issuance. Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s commitment to macroeconomic stability, continuity of reforms, and sustained engagement with bilateral and multilateral partners.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, alongside State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, met Saudi Finance Minister H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan in Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026.

The finance minister said the Kingdom has also agreed to extend its existing $5 billion deposit for a longer period, moving away from the earlier annual rollover arrangement.

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