Islamabad, May 23, 2025: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Islamabad on Friday, reaffirming the historic partnership between the two nations and exploring avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation amid evolving regional dynamics.
The high-level talks underscored mutual commitment to strengthening collaboration across political, economic, and security sectors. Both leaders exchanged views on the current regional security environment, particularly in light of shifting alliances and recent trilateral discussions involving Afghanistan and China.
Dar’s engagement with the Saudi delegation comes just a day after he announced Pakistan’s intention to recalibrate its diplomatic relationship with the Afghan Taliban government, signaling a new phase of engagement. Speaking to reporters, Dar emphasized that the decision would follow “due diligence” and broad consultations with national stakeholders.
The policy shift follows a trilateral summit in Beijing, where Dar met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The three sides agreed to enhance coordination against terrorism, specifically targeting militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that no terror activity emanating from Afghan territory would be tolerated, while acknowledging that some attacks may occur without the direct sanction of the Kabul administration. He called on the Afghan government to take firm action against any groups threatening regional stability.
On the humanitarian front, Dar announced a new visa policy under which Afghan nationals will be eligible for a one-year, multiple-entry visa into Pakistan for a fee of $100, aimed at streamlining refugee inflows under a regulated framework.
The Beijing talks also saw consensus on expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. Proposed projects include a Peshawar–Kabul highway and a trans-Afghan railway, envisioned as a strategic link between Central and South Asia.
In parallel with regional diplomacy, Pakistan is also intensifying its economic engagement with Saudi Arabia. The Saudi delegation, led by Prince Faisal, is holding meetings with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership to explore significant investment opportunities.
The visit builds on recent discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and aligns with the goals of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Priority areas for Saudi investment include the Reko Diq gold and copper project and Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The ongoing discussions reflect Pakistan’s dual-track strategy of advancing regional diplomacy while attracting foreign investment to stabilize its economy and assert a proactive role in South Asian geopolitics.
