Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday vowed to continue efforts to defuse tensions and bring peace in the region amid escalating attacks by Houthis against Saudi Arabia's civilian and economic infrastructure. The understanding came during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

A day earlier, Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline, after the vital oil conduit came under aerial attack in the widening Middle East war. The world's largest crude oil exporter said it temporarily closed the pipeline as a precaution after a drone attack that both Baghdad and Riyadh said had originated in Iraq. The 1,200-km (745-mile) pipeline running across the Arabian Peninsula has served as the main route out for global supplies of Middle East oil for the past six months while the Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut by war.

During today's telephonic conversation, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian and economic infrastructure. The prime minister expressed Pakistan's complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, saying the Houthi actions threatened regional peace and security and could further disrupt the global economy and energy supplies.

PM Shehbaz said he, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue their efforts to defuse tensions and promote peace in the region. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan for its steadfast support for Saudi Arabia as well as its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, and the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.