PM Shehbaz’s diplomatic drive to foster Middle East peace: Chinese Expert

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2026) Against a backdrop of simmering regional tensions and persistent conflicts, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has launched an intensive diplomatic tour across key middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye.

This proactive shuttle diplomacy is more than a routine visit—it embodies Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to acting as a neutral bridge-builder and a vocal advocate for peaceful dialogue in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

This was stated by Prof Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

In statement on Friday, he said that at the core of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s itinerary lies a clear focus: de-escalation, multilateral coordination and long-term stability.

In Jeddah, he held in-depth strategic consultations with Saudi leaders, touching on Gulf security dynamics and exploring ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

In Doha, his talks with the Emir of Qatar underscored the urgency of de-escalating tensions, enhancing regional solidarity, and charting a path toward inclusive and constructive dialogue.

The tour will culminate in Türkiye, where he will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to articulate Pakistan’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous and interconnected Middle East.

What elevates this mission is Pakistan’s proactive offer to facilitate dialogue between rival factions.

Islamabad has consistently positioned itself as a trusted and neutral mediator, repeatedly offering to host and broker talks between conflicting parties—including the United States and Iran.

By engaging closely with key Gulf states and regional powers, PM Sharif seeks to align diplomatic efforts, minimize strategic miscalculations, and create much-needed space for negotiated settlements rather than prolonged confrontation, he added.

Prof Cheng remarked that beyond its peace-building mandate, the tour also serves Pakistan’s vital economic and security interests.

The country relies heavily on Gulf investments, remittances from its diaspora in the region, and energy supplies—making a stable Middle East integral to its own socio-economic development and national security.

Balancing principled mediation with pragmatic statecraft, PM Shehbaz Sharif is working to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible cooperation that yields mutual benefits for both Pakistan and the broader Middle Eastern region.

In a region too often defined by division and conflict, Pakistan’s diplomatic push is a refreshing reminder that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to lasting peace.

By crisscrossing regional capitals and engaging in quiet and persistent diplomacy, Prime Minister Sharif is not only strengthening bilateral ties with key partners but also advancing a collective vision for a calmer, more interconnected Middle East—one that deserves the broad support of the international community, he said.

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