PM Shehbaz's 'grand welcome' in Saudi Arabia triggers speculations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Riyadh on Wednesday for a state visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As his special aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets in a display of welcome. Upon landing at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, the arrival was marked with a 21-gun salute, followed by a guard of honour presented by contingents of the Saudi armed forces.

The prime minister was received at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz. Also present on the occasion were Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and senior diplomatic officials.

Pakistani flags have been displayed along the route of the prime minister’s motorcade to mark the visit.

During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to visit the Royal Diwan at Yamama Palace, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will host a formal welcome reception. He will also hold detailed talks with the crown prince to review all aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

PM Shehbaz’s unusual welcome in the kingdom has triggered speculations about Pakistan being given an important role in the coming days.

Journalist Kamran Yousaf wrote 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 next few hours. Pakistan's geostrategic profile has gone to the next level. Keep a close eye on Shehbaz-MBS meeting."

Saudi Air Force escorted Pakistani PM when his plane entered Saudi space. This has happened for a reason. An extraordinary development is expected in next few hours. Pakistan's geostrategic profile has gone to the next level. Keep a close eye on Shehbaz-MBS meeting. pic.twitter.com/hOiPNGPjEs

— Kamran Yousaf (@Kamran_Yousaf) September 17, 2025

Journalist Umar Cheema said, "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. It is worth noting that previously only Trump and Putin received such an aerial escort. It seems Pakistan may be assigned some responsibility regarding the defense needs of Arab countries.”

جنگی طیاروں کا فضا میں جبکہ ائیرپورٹ پر 21 توپوں اور فوجی دستے کی سلامی، انتہائی غیر معمولی استقبال ہے، باور رہے کہ اس سے پہلے ٹرمپ اور پیوٹن کا جہازوں نے فضائی استقبال کیا تھا
لگتا ہے جیسے پاکستان کو عرب ممالک کی دفاعی ضروریات پوری کرنے کے حوالے سے کوئی ذمہ داری ملنے والی ہے https://t.co/IcsFB5gfcx pic.twitter.com/8KwGx1jCVS

— Umar Cheema (@UmarCheema1) September 17, 2025

اطلاعات ہیں کہ حرمین شریفین کی سیکیورٹی پاکستان کو ملنے جا رہی ہے، کچھ دیر بعد پاکستان اور سعودی عرب کا معاہدہ ہونے کا امکان ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/uU6VZTNg1e

— Ahmad Warraich (@ahmadwaraichh) September 17, 2025

F-15 fighter jets of Saudi Arabia's Royal Air Force escort #Pakistan PM @CMShehbaz's plane as it enters Saudi Airspace for Pak PM's state visit to Saudi Arabia -- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's flags have been put up at the roads of Riyadh for Shehbaz Sharif's grand welcome. pic.twitter.com/V3du0prDkw

— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) September 17, 2025