Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia during a visit to the kingdom on Thursday, as Islamabad increased diplomatic efforts in the Gulf to help calm the expanding regional conflict. Sharif traveled to Jeddah and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. During the meeting, Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan would always stand firmly with Saudi Arabia and work together with the kingdom to promote peace and stability in the region.

The trip took place a day after Sharif spoke with Iran’s president regarding the worsening situation in the Middle East. Iran has been launching repeated missile attacks on several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, as part of its conflict involving Israel and the United States. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher and disrupted global energy supply chains.

Pakistani officials say Islamabad has been stepping up diplomatic initiatives aimed at mediating the conflict and preventing further escalation. These efforts are complicated by a mutual defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Sharif’s visit should be viewed within the broader context of Pakistan’s attempts to encourage an early end to violence and hostilities in the region. He made the remarks during a weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

Rashid Ahmad Khan, an international relations expert based in Lahore, said it is very unlikely that Pakistan would launch a military strike against Iran in response to its attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has a large Shiite Muslim population that maintains religious and cultural ties with Iran, and protests erupted in several cities, including Karachi, following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khan noted that Pakistan could still assist Saudi Arabia by helping defend against drone attacks and providing technical military support within Saudi territory.

Sharif’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that Pakistan would unquestionably support Saudi Arabia if needed. He emphasized that the key focus for Pakistan is ensuring the conflict does not escalate to the point where regional stability and prosperity are severely threatened. Also attending the meeting in Saudi Arabia were Pakistan’s top military official, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to the prime minister’s office.

The Saudi visit followed a phone conversation between Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, indicating ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at resolving the crisis. Pezeshkian said that any potential ceasefire would require assurances against future attacks, a message he had also communicated to the leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

During his call with Pezeshkian, Sharif expressed hope that Iran would experience peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead, according to Andrabi. Zaidi said Sharif has been regularly communicating with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding efforts to promote peace. Indonesia has offered to mediate in the conflict, with Prabowo proposing a possible visit to Iran. Prabowo previously indicated that Sharif might accompany him on a trip to Tehran, according to Jimly Asshiddiqie, chairman of the advisory council of the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the residence of his father, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, on Thursday after an assassination attempt at a wedding in Jammu. The police confirmed that an armed man tried to shoot Farooq Abdullah during a marriage celebration at Royal Park in Greater Kailash, Jammu, on Wednesday.

According to authorities, the assailant, identified as Kamal Singh, a resident of Purani Mandi, Jammu, carried a loaded pistol. The National Security Guard (NSG) personnel assigned to Farooq Abdullah acted swiftly to prevent the attack. The firearm used in the attempt was recovered, and the accused has been taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing, and police have confirmed that proper legal proceedings are being initiated.

Omar Abdullah called the incident an assassination attempt and raised concerns over how the attacker managed to get so close despite his father being under Z+ NSG security. He wrote on X that Allah’s mercy ensured his father’s safety. He explained that while the assailant was within firing range, the close protection team successfully deflected the shot and prevented a tragedy. Omar also highlighted that the circumstances raise serious questions about security protocols and how someone could approach a former CM under the highest protection.

Nasir Aslam Wani, advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir CM, confirmed that no injuries occurred in the incident. He was present at the venue when the firing took place. Authorities continue to investigate the case, ensuring that all angles are examined to prevent any future threats. The prompt response of the NSG personnel ensured that Farooq Abdullah remained unharmed, and the swift action of law enforcement led to the apprehension of the accused. The incident has raised concerns about security at high-profile events and emphasized the importance of vigilance, even under maximum protection.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian shared details of a phone call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as tensions in the Gulf region continue to rise. Posting on X, Lin Jian said both sides discussed the escalating situation, emphasizing that the immediate priority is to halt military operations to prevent the conflict from widening. He noted that progress can only be achieved by returning to dialogue and negotiations as quickly as possible to restore peace.

Lin also said China has been actively pushing for a ceasefire and peace in the region, adding that the Chinese government’s Special Envoy on Middle East affairs is currently visiting countries across the region to promote de-escalation. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement on the March 9 call, Zayani briefed Wang Yi on Bahrain’s perspective and the current regional developments. He said Bahrain values peace and believes it should not face unlawful attacks. Zayani also expressed appreciation for China’s balanced approach and said Bahrain is ready to work with Gulf countries to strengthen communication and coordination with China on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, to help restore regional peace and stability. He also assured that Bahrain will continue taking steps to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.

Wang Yi expressed China’s serious concern over the rapidly escalating situation in the Gulf, noting that Bahrain’s security is also being affected. He reiterated that China firmly supports respect for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all nations and strongly condemns attacks on civilians and non military targets.

Wang Yi stressed that the most urgent step is an immediate halt to military actions to stop the conflict from spreading further. He added that the way forward lies in restarting dialogue and negotiations and ultimately returning to international law and the basic principles governing international relations.

Reaffirming China’s position, Wang Yi said that as a strategic partner of Gulf countries and a responsible global power, China has consistently supported peace and an end to hostilities. He noted that China’s special envoy on Middle East affairs is currently traveling across the region and will also visit Bahrain. The discussion highlights China’s continued diplomatic efforts to encourage de escalation in the Middle East, with Beijing actively engaging regional governments to promote peace and stability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for remaining silent after the US reportedly sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, calling it a “dereliction” of their constitutional duty. In a post on X, Owaisi said several questions remain unanswered about the incident and asked whether the Indian government was informed in advance by the US. He questioned if Washington had notified India before deploying a nuclear submarine near Indian waters to carry out the attack, especially given India’s role in the Quad and its strategic partnership with the US.

Owaisi also warned that such actions could set a precedent for the Chinese Navy to operate similarly in the region, asking whether the Modi government would continue to stay silent if that happened. He further questioned how India would respond if the US targeted other Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean.

He argued that silence on the issue could damage India’s reputation as a strategically sovereign nation and weaken its standing in global forums. Owaisi demanded that the government issue a clear statement condemning the attack and hold a press conference explaining its position. The Indian Navy has deployed INS Tarangini, INS Ikshak, and maritime patrol aircraft to assist Sri Lanka in search and rescue operations after IRIS Dena sank on March 4, about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, reportedly after being hit by a torpedo from a US submarine.

Of the around 180 crew members on board, about 87 are believed to have died, while roughly 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and taken to hospitals in Galle. Sri Lanka has also allowed another Iranian vessel, Irins Bushehr, to dock at a north-eastern port after it sought security amid the ongoing tensions involving the US and Israel.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Middle East conflict is intensifying rapidly, with reports of casualties and damage in at least nine countries within just 10 hours. Israeli and US aircraft have carried out new strikes across Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target US-allied Gulf states. Nosheen Iqbal talks with Jamie Wilson, the Guardian’s head of international news – watch the discussion on YouTube.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition secured a historic victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) election, setting the stage for planned tax cuts that have rattled financial markets, as well as increased military spending to counter China. For insights into this outcome, Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo consulted Dr. Lim Tai Wei, East Asia specialist and Professor at Soka University, Japan.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.