What's happened
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support regional stability amid Yemen conflict tensions. Pakistan expressed concern over violence in Yemen, reaffirmed support for Saudi security, and highlighted regional diplomatic efforts following recent Saudi-led strikes in Mukalla.
What's behind the headline?
Pakistan's diplomatic stance underscores its balancing act in a volatile region. The call between Sharif and Mohammed bin Salman signals Pakistan's intent to position itself as a stabilizing actor amid Yemen's complex conflict. The recent Saudi strikes in Mukalla, linked to UAE-backed separatists, threaten to deepen regional divisions, with Pakistan warning against unilateral actions that could escalate violence. Pakistan's support for Yemen's unity and regional peace reflects its strategic interest in avoiding further destabilization, especially given its economic ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The upcoming Saudi visit to Pakistan could further cement these alliances, but the regional tensions suggest that Pakistan's role will remain delicate, balancing its diplomatic ties while advocating for de-escalation.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional peace, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy. AP News highlights the recent Saudi bombing in Mukalla and the broader Yemen conflict, noting Pakistan's concern over unilateral actions that could worsen instability. The Independent provides additional context on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, including meetings with UAE and Saudi leaders, and its support for Yemen's territorial integrity amid escalating tensions. All sources agree that Pakistan is actively engaged in regional diplomacy, seeking to prevent further conflict while maintaining strong economic and security ties with Gulf countries.
How we got here
Tensions in Yemen escalated after Saudi Arabia bombed Mukalla following a weapons shipment from the UAE, which is linked to the Southern Transitional Council. Pakistan, maintaining close ties with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, faces diplomatic challenges amid these regional conflicts. Pakistan's recent diplomatic activities include meetings with UAE and Saudi leaders, and a defense agreement with Riyadh signed in September, emphasizing regional security commitments.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is Pakistan's role in supporting Yemen peace efforts?
Pakistan is actively involved in regional diplomacy concerning Yemen, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability. Recent discussions between Pakistani and Gulf leaders highlight Pakistan's support for Yemen's territorial integrity and efforts to prevent further conflict. But what exactly is Pakistan doing, and how does it influence the broader Middle East situation? Below, we explore key questions about Pakistan's role and regional tensions.
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Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and businessman who is currently serving as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, in office since 11 April 2022. He is the current president of the Pakistan Muslim League.
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Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of
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Mukalla is a seaport and the capital city of Yemen's largest governorate, Hadhramaut. The city is in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the Gulf of Aden, on the shores of the Arabian Sea, about 480 kilometres east of Aden.
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.