Antalya, April 16, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Türkiye on Thursday as part of his three-nation tour, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the escalating Middle East crisis.
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Upon arrival in Antalya, the premier was received by Governor Hulusi ?ahin, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yusuf Junaid and other senior officials.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he is scheduled to address the Leaders Panel and present Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues.
On the sidelines of the forum, the prime minister is expected to hold key bilateral meetings, including talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and other international leaders.
The visit marks the final leg of his regional tour, which earlier included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Jeddah, the prime minister met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties.
During his visit to Doha, Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and dialogue to restore peace in the Middle East. The two leaders also reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas including security, defence, and energy.
The diplomatic outreach comes as Pakistan continues to play an active role in facilitating dialogue amid tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, following recent talks hosted in Islamabad that ended without agreement.
Senior officials accompanying the prime minister include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and spokesperson for international media Mushahid Zaidi.
The ongoing conflict has heightened regional instability and disrupted global energy routes, prompting increased diplomatic engagement by multiple countries, including Pakistan.
