Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s day-long trip to Riyadh signals a potential deepening of longstanding ties amid regional challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed from Islamabad on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for a day-long state visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he will hold bilateral talks to review Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025 and discuss regional developments, accompanied by key cabinet ministers.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Departure for Riyadh
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif left Islamabad at approximately 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, heading to Riyadh for an official state visit. The trip, invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, focuses on strengthening bilateral cooperation. During the visit, the leaders are scheduled to exchange views on the full spectrum of Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025, including economic, strategic, and regional matters. The Pakistani Foreign Office stated that the meeting will provide an opportunity to formalise collaboration in diverse fields.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Environment Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. This delegation underscores the multifaceted nature of the discussions expected during the Pakistan PM visit Riyadh Crown Prince engagement.
The visit follows a recent meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Emergency Arab–Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday, September 15, 2025. There, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s actions against Qatar and assured full diplomatic support from Pakistan, particularly at the United Nations Security Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The Saudi Crown Prince welcomed the upcoming Riyadh visit, noting it would allow for a comprehensive exchange on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Why Pakistan Saudi Arabia Relations Matter in South Asia
Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025 hold significant implications for South Asia, where economic stability and regional security are intertwined with Gulf partnerships. As Pakistan navigates economic recovery, Saudi Arabia’s investments could bolster infrastructure and trade, reducing dependency on other regions. This alliance, rooted in shared Islamic heritage and strategic interests, influences South Asian geopolitics by promoting stability amid tensions with neighbours like India. Enhanced ties may facilitate dialogue on issues such as Kashmir, as highlighted in prior joint statements, fostering broader peace efforts. For South Asia, stronger Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025 mean potential inflows of capital and technology, aiding sustainable development across the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties During Pakistan PM Visit Riyadh Crown Prince
The core of the visit centres on the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, the discussions will cover the entire gamut of Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025, from economic cooperation to military and strategic partnerships. Both nations share a historic bond, with Saudi Arabia providing longstanding support to Pakistan’s economy through loans, investments, and aid.
In 2024, the two countries signed agreements worth $2.8 billion, focusing on trade and investment. This year, efforts have intensified, with Saudi interest in projects like the Reko Diq copper and gold mine, where Manara Minerals is negotiating a stake acquisition. The Pakistani mission in Riyadh emphasised that the day-long visit on September 17, 2025, aims to build on these foundations, exploring new avenues in energy, defence, and technology sectors.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, the visit will consolidate fraternal ties and formalise cooperation beneficial to both nations. Previous interactions, such as the April 2024 meeting in Makkah, reaffirmed commitments to bolster economic ties, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing gratitude for Saudi support. The Crown Prince, in turn, accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan, highlighting mutual interest in enhanced collaboration.
Regional developments, including the recent Doha summit, add urgency to the talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assurance of diplomatic backing at international forums reflects Pakistan’s alignment with Saudi-led initiatives for Muslim unity. Discussions may also touch on global challenges, such as climate change and energy security, given the accompanying ministers’ portfolios.
Background on Pakistan Saudi Arabia Relations 2025
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close relations since the 1940s, evolving into a strategic partnership encompassing economic, military, and cultural dimensions. In 2025, these ties have seen frequent high-level engagements, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visiting the Kingdom multiple times, including in March, June, and August. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that 90 per cent of Pakistanis view Saudi Arabia favourably, underscoring public support for the alliance.
Economically, Saudi Arabia remains a key investor, with commitments aligning with Vision 2030. In early 2025, talks advanced on joint ventures in mining and infrastructure, potentially injecting billions into Pakistan’s economy. Militarily, cooperation includes arms imports and joint exercises, while religiously, Saudi aid supports mosques and educational institutions in Pakistan, such as the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
The current visit builds on these foundations, amid Pakistan’s push for foreign direct investment to stabilise its $350 billion economy. Saudi Arabia’s role in de-escalating regional tensions, including between Pakistan and India in June 2025, further cements its importance. However, specifics on new agreements from this trip remain pending confirmation.
What’s Next for Pakistan Saudi Arabia Relations
Following the Riyadh meeting, outcomes could include new memorandums of understanding on trade and investment, paving the way for increased Saudi inflows into Pakistan’s key sectors. The visit may also set the stage for the Crown Prince’s reciprocal trip to Islamabad, enhancing diplomatic momentum. As Pakistan Saudi Arabia relations 2025 progress, sustained collaboration promises mutual benefits in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 17th, 2025
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