• Pakistan reaffirms “shoulder to shoulder” support for Saudi Arabia.
• PM, MBS discuss regional situation during nearly two-hour meeting.
• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia review bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.
  

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his sincere appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister called on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah this evening. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting.

According to the PMO, the two leaders held detailed discussions during a warm and cordial meeting that lasted almost two hours, focusing on the evolving regional situation as well as bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of recent regional escalation, saying that “the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brethren.” He also conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives.

He appreciated what he described as the Kingdom’s “exemplary patience and restraint,” adding that the Crown Prince’s leadership during the current crisis “has been a source of strength for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.”

The Prime Minister also shared recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts, including those that led to the US–Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. He noted that “Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoy a unique relationship as strategic defence partners under the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.”

He further expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support of Pakistan’s economic stability, describing it as “deeply appreciated.”

Both leaders also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation.

Demi Moore is continuing her remarkable career resurgence, signing on for the new culinary thriller Tyrant alongside Charlize Theron and Julia Garner.

Variety broke the news exclusively, reporting that Moore has accepted a key role in the high-stakes film set within New York City’s elite fine dining scene. 

David Weil, known for Amazon series Hunters and Invasion, will write and direct, working from a script he developed with Cody Behan. 

Production is expected to begin within weeks in Los Angeles, having secured a California Film Tax Credit.

The film will be produced by Theron alongside her Secret Menu partners Beth Kono and A.J. Dix, as well as The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona. 

Weil produces with partner Natalie Laine Williams, with Stan Wlodkowski serving as executive producer.

Moore arrives at this project on the back of one of the strongest periods of her career. 

Her performance in The Substance, in which she played a fading star who takes a mysterious drug to reclaim her youth, earned her a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, as well as an Oscar nomination. 

She will next be seen in Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters in late May, and currently stars in the top-rated Taylor Sheridan series Landman.

United States (U.S.) Navy has effectively implemented the naval blockade of Iran and has turned back nine ships in just the first 48 hours of the blockade.

The blockade was announced by the U.S. President Donald Trump after Iran and U.S. officials failed to reach an agreement during Islamabad Talks, on Sunday, in Pakistan.

In an update on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) that vessel reversed course without the need to fire shots, adding that at least five of those ships were carrying oil.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that an estimated 90% of the Iranian economy is fueled by trade through sea, adding, “U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.”

Thousands of U.S. service members, including 5,000 Sailors and Marines from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, are carrying out operations to enforce the blockade of ships entering and departing Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said: “U.S. forces are present, vigilant, and ready to ensure compliance.”

It warned that the American forces were ready to act against any vessel trying to violate the blockade.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, is attempting to secure a cessation of hostilities between both countries and have intensified its diplomatic efforts. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to arrange a second round of talks.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also embarked on an official diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye in a bid to end the Iran war.