By Our Correspondent

National News – Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the start of a high-level diplomatic mission aimed at easing rising tensions linked to ongoing US–Iran peace negotiations and wider Middle East instability.

The four-day visit, scheduled from April 15 to April 18, 2026, will take him across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.

The trip is designed to strengthen bilateral relations, coordinate regional responses, and support fragile peace efforts following recent conflict escalation involving Iran, the United States, and allied Gulf states.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Prime Minister will first visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar for bilateral talks focused on energy cooperation, security concerns, and regional stability.

He will then travel to Turkey to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he is expected to engage with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other global leaders.

According to officials, the visit comes at a critical moment when indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with Pakistan playing a mediating role in facilitating dialogue.

The talks aim to reduce tensions that have disrupted trade routes, energy supplies, and security across the Gulf region.

Sharif will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and senior government officials who participated in earlier mediation efforts.

Discussions are expected to focus on preventing further escalation of the conflict that has already affected Gulf security and global energy markets.

The Prime Minister’s engagements will also emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation.

In addition, Pakistan is expected to benefit economically from strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, which recently approved a $3 billion financial support package and extended an existing $5 billion deposit arrangement.

These financial commitments are seen as crucial for stabilizing Pakistan’s foreign reserves amid global uncertainty.