Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday, January 3, 2026, discussing the regional situation Pakistan Saudi ties amid Yemen tensions. The Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call focused on recent developments, with Dar welcoming Saudi statements on Yemen and appreciating amicable resolution efforts.
The Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call highlights Islamabad’s active role in promoting stability across South Asia and the Middle East. As tensions rise in Yemen, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach underscores its commitment to regional peace, which directly impacts South Asian security through economic ties and migrant worker flows.
Details of the Ishaq Dar Saudi FM Call
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan shortly after arriving in Beijing. The conversation centred on the recent situation in the region.
According to an official statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, both leaders deliberated on the regional situation Pakistan Saudi relations entail. Dar welcomed the Saudi foreign ministry’s statement regarding Yemen. He appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve the regional situation amicably.
This marked the second Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call within a week. An earlier call on Friday, January 2, 2026, also addressed the latest regional situation. In that discussion, Dar stressed avoiding escalatory moves and resolving issues through dialogue for regional peace and stability.
The timing aligns with escalating events in Yemen. Yemen’s government forces have retaken military positions from southern separatists. The Saudi-led coalition demanded the Southern Transitional Council (STC) withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahrah provinces. Saudi air strikes targeted STC positions, with no reported casualties.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a separate statement on Yemen. It expressed support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity. Islamabad welcomed the call by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to hold dialogue in Riyadh. Pakistan urged all stakeholders to engage in good faith toward a negotiated political solution based on agreed parameters.
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan Yemen support. It expressed hope that regional efforts, guided by unity and brotherhood, will bring lasting peace and stability to Yemen.
Regional Situation Pakistan Saudi Ties
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain strong bilateral relations. These include strategic military cooperation, economic assistance, and shared cultural heritage. Riyadh provides significant financial aid and oil supplies to Islamabad.
In September 2025, the two nations signed a mutual defence agreement. It stipulates that an attack on one is treated as an attack on both. This pact strengthens their alliance amid regional challenges.
The Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call builds on this foundation. Both countries coordinate on Middle East issues, including Yemen. Saudi Arabia leads efforts to mediate Yemen’s internal conflicts. The kingdom hosts talks and supports the internationally recognised government against Houthi rebels and separatists.
Yemen’s conflict has persisted since 2014. The civil war involves the government, Houthis, and southern separatists. Recent escalations include the STC’s advances in eastern provinces. The PLC, representing the government, requested Saudi mediation for comprehensive talks.
The STC welcomed Saudi’s invitation for Yemen dialogue Riyadh. It described the initiative as a genuine opportunity for serious dialogue. The group stressed recognition of southern people’s will and international guarantees.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman urged peaceful handover of provinces. The coalition warned of direct action to protect civilians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for restraint and diplomacy.
These developments affect the regional situation Pakistan Saudi partners navigate. Pakistan has over 2 million workers in Saudi Arabia. Remittances exceed USD 7 billion annually. Instability in Yemen could disrupt Gulf shipping lanes, impacting South Asian economies.
Pakistan Yemen Support Stance
Pakistan has consistently voiced Pakistan Yemen support. The Foreign Office statement on January 3, 2026, marks the latest affirmation.
Islamabad backs Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity. It supports negotiated solutions over military actions. This aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy of promoting dialogue in regional conflicts.
In the Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call, Dar’s appreciation for Saudi efforts reinforces this position. Saudi Arabia’s role in Yemen dialogue Riyadh is key. The kingdom has hosted multiple rounds of talks since 2022.
Yemen’s PLC responded to southern appeals by seeking Saudi mediation. President Rashad al-Alimi emphasised the southern cause in building a modern Yemeni state. He committed to dialogue under Saudi auspices.
The STC’s positive response indicates potential de-escalation. However, tribal demands in Aden for South Yemen independence complicate matters. Around 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters remain near the border, ready to support government forces.
Pakistan’s involvement stems from historical ties. Islamabad provided military aid to Saudi-led operations in Yemen in 2015. Current policy focuses on diplomatic support.
The regional situation Pakistan Saudi discuss includes broader implications. Yemen’s instability fuels humanitarian crises. Over 21 million Yemenis need aid. Pakistan hosts Yemeni refugees and contributes to UN relief efforts.
Background
Pakistan-Saudi relations date back to 1947. Saudi Arabia was among the first to recognise Pakistan. Economic ties include PKR 500 billion in annual trade. Saudi investments in Pakistan exceed USD 20 billion.
Yemen’s conflict escalated in 2015 with Houthi takeover of Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore the government. Ceasefires have held intermittently, but separatist movements persist.
Recent events in Hadramawt highlight fractures. The STC, backed by the UAE, controls much of southern Yemen. Clashes with government forces risk reigniting full-scale war.
Saudi Arabia balances support for the government with mediation. Its air strikes on STC signal limits to tolerance.
What’s Next
Stakeholders anticipate progress on Yemen dialogue Riyadh. Successful talks could lead to power-sharing agreements.
Pakistan will likely continue diplomatic engagement. Future Ishaq Dar Saudi FM calls may coordinate further on the regional situation Pakistan Saudi share.
Ongoing escalations require monitoring. If dialogue fails, military confrontations could intensify, affecting Gulf stability.
The Ishaq Dar Saudi FM call sets a tone for collaborative resolution in the regional situation Pakistan Saudi prioritise.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 4th, 2026
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