By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday departed on a multi-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye from April 15–18, in a diplomatic push set against the backdrop of ongoing Iran–US negotiations and a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister’s tour comes at a critical juncture for regional diplomacy, as efforts continue to sustain dialogue between Tehran and Washington following recent high-level talks hosted in Islamabad.

During his visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the leadership of both countries, focusing on strengthening cooperation and discussing regional peace and security, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The engagements are likely to include consultations on the evolving Middle East situation, particularly the Iran–US dialogue process, in which Pakistan has played a facilitative role.

The Prime Minister will then travel to Turkey to participate in the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a key global platform bringing together world leaders and policymakers.

Sharif is scheduled to address the Leaders’ Panel, where he will present Pakistan’s perspective on major global challenges, including conflict resolution, multilateral cooperation, and regional stability.

On the sidelines of the forum, he is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as well as other international leaders, in a series of bilateral engagements aimed at deepening strategic partnerships.

Pakistan’s participation in the forum underscores its growing diplomatic profile, particularly following its role in facilitating direct talks between the United States and Iran, negotiations seen as crucial to preventing further escalation in the Middle East.

Officials say the Prime Minister’s visit will reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred path for resolving conflicts, while also advancing economic and political cooperation with key regional partners.

Sharif will be accompanied by senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

The visit comes amid intensified diplomatic activity worldwide, with global powers and regional actors seeking to stabilize tensions following weeks of conflict and stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Analysts say Pakistan’s outreach to Gulf partners and its participation in multilateral forums could help sustain diplomatic momentum at a time when the window for a broader agreement remains uncertain.

Sharif’s engagements over the coming days are expected to focus on bridging divides, strengthening alliances, and contributing to efforts aimed at securing long-term peace in the Middle East.