Riyadh/Islamabad, September 17, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for a state visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, receiving an unusually grand welcome that has sparked speculation of significant developments in Pakistan–Saudi ties.
As the prime minister’s special aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets in a rare display of honour. Upon landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, his arrival was marked with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour presented by contingents of the Saudi armed forces.
Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz received the prime minister at the airport. Also present were Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and senior Saudi and Pakistani diplomats. Pakistani flags were displayed along the route of the motorcade leading to the prime minister’s residence.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to attend a formal welcome reception at the Royal Diwan in Yamama Palace, where he will hold detailed talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to review all aspects of bilateral relations.
The extraordinary nature of the welcome has triggered widespread speculation. Journalist Kamran Yousaf noted on X: “Saudi Air Force escorted Pakistani PM when his plane entered Saudi space. This has happened for a reason. An extraordinary development is expected in the next few hours. Pakistan’s geostrategic profile has gone to the next level. Keep a close eye on Shehbaz–MBS meeting.”
Journalist Umar Cheema added: “Fighter jets in the air and a 21-gun salute with a military guard of honour at the airport — this is an extremely unusual welcome. Previously, only Trump and Putin received such an aerial escort. It seems Pakistan may be assigned some responsibility regarding the defence needs of Arab countries.”
