ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its strongsupport for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen throughdialogue and diplomacy, while welcoming regional initiatives aimed atde-escalation and stability. The spokesperson emphasized Islamabad’sopposition to any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions,underscoring the importance of preserving Yemen’s unity and territorialintegrity. This position comes amid renewed violence in the region, asPakistan expresses complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backs itsdiplomatic endeavors to promote an inclusive political process. Suchefforts are seen as essential to addressing the prolonged humanitariancrisis that has affected millions in Yemen over the past decade.
The Foreign Office described regional diplomatic endeavors as crucial forrestoring normalcy in Yemen, encouraging all parties to engage in goodfaith negotiations based on established parameters. Pakistan views theseinitiatives positively, highlighting their role in preventing furtherdeterioration of the security situation. By advocating for negotiatedsettlements aligned with international resolutions, Islamabad positionsitself as a proponent of sustained peace in the Middle East. This stancereflects Pakistan’s broader foreign policy of promoting dialogue overconfrontation in regional disputes, particularly those impacting brotherlyIslamic nations and overall Gulf stability.
In a related diplomatic development marking the new year, Pakistan andIndia exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen in each other’scustody on January 1, 2026, in accordance with the 2008 Agreement onConsular Access. The biannual exchange, conducted simultaneously inIslamabad and New Delhi, also included the annual sharing of lists ofnuclear installations under the 1988 agreement prohibiting attacks on suchfacilities. Pakistan handed over details of 257 Indian prisoners,reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian obligations. Both countriescalled for the early release and repatriation of detainees, includingfishermen and their boats, to address longstanding consular issues amidstrained bilateral relations.
This routine yet significant exchange serves as a confidence-buildingmeasure between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, occurring twice yearly onJanuary 1 and July 1. It provides a structured mechanism for verifyingdetainee welfare and facilitating humanitarian gestures despite politicaldifferences. The process underscores the importance of maintaining consularchannels open, even during periods of heightened tension, and contributesto preventing escalation over individual cases that could otherwise affectbroader relations.
High-level engagements with Gulf partners further illustrated Pakistan’sfocus on strengthening fraternal ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held awarm and cordial telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammedbin Salman, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment todeepening bilateral cooperation and emphasized unity within the MuslimUmmah. The discussion covered regional developments, with the PrimeMinister highlighting the need for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peaceand stability. The Crown Prince expressed appreciation for Pakistan’ssolidarity and indicated plans for an official visit to Islamabad in thecoming year.
Complementing these efforts, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign MinisterIshaq Dar engaged with his Saudi counterpart on matters of mutual interest,reinforcing diplomatic coordination. These interactions demonstrate therobust nature of Pakistan-Saudi relations, built on shared strategicinterests and historical brotherhood. Such high-level contacts are vitalfor aligning positions on regional challenges, including those in Yemen,and for advancing economic and security cooperation between the two nations.
The diplomatic momentum extended to the United Arab Emirates, wherePresident Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan undertook his first officialvisit to Pakistan on December 26, 2025. Welcomed by Prime Minister ShehbazSharif, the visit facilitated substantive talks on enhancing bilateralrelations across trade, investment, energy, and regional stability.Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in key sectors, reflectingthe depth of ties between the two countries. This engagement, followingearlier meetings, underscores Pakistan’s priority on bolstering relationswith brotherly Islamic nations as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
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Pakistan considers strong ties with Gulf countries integral to its externalrelations, viewing them as essential for mutual prosperity and regionalharmony. These diplomatic activities collectively illustrate Islamabad’sproactive approach to fostering peace, humanitarian cooperation, andstrategic partnerships in a complex geopolitical landscape. As the new yearunfolds, such efforts are expected to contribute to greater stability inSouth Asia and the Middle East.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1964294/pakistan-expresses-complete-solidarity-with-saudi-arabia-reiterates-support-for-territorial-integrity-of-yemen
Tags: Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Yemen Conflict
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