ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are scheduled to undertake important foreign visits to China and Saudi Arabia in the second week of June, with additional stops planned in other key Gulf nations later in the month.
According to well-placed sources, the visits—though conducted separately—are part of a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership to engage in high-level bilateral talks and express gratitude for the support extended by friendly nations during recent tensions with India.
The trips are being arranged through diplomatic channels, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and select federal ministers expected to accompany the Prime Minister. Sources describe the upcoming engagements as “highly significant,” particularly the China leg, given Beijing’s crucial backing during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India.
Prime Minister Shehbaz had initially intended to combine these visits with his recent tour of Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. However, scheduling constraints—owing to the unavailability of top Chinese leadership and the Saudi government’s focus on Hajj preparations—delayed the trip.
China, notably, was the first destination of a senior Pakistani delegation following the May stand-off with India. During that visit, Senator Ishaq Dar held comprehensive discussions with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was also present in Beijing at the time and held meetings with both sides.
Following the planned visits to China and Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister is also expected to travel to several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to strengthen regional ties.
