Diplomacy in overdrive as region teeters on brink of war
KSA's Al-Jubeir holds talks with PM, DPM in Islamabad; Dar speaks with several counterparts
ISLAMABAD:
The flare-up in South Asia, triggered by India’s reckless missile and drone strikes against Pakistan since May 7, has sent a wave of grave concern and anxiety across world capitals, as global leaders rush to contact Pakistani leadership to help defuse the heightened tensions.
Friday saw hectic diplomatic activity, with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir arriving in Pakistan for talks on the escalating situation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Dar also spoke by telephone with his counterparts – David Lammy of Britain, Iwaya Takeshi of Japan, Espen Barth Eide of Norway and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan – and briefed them on the regional situation in the wake of India’s illegal and unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities.
Al-Jubeir arrived in Pakistan on a daylong visit.
According to an official handout, the Saudi minister of state called on Prime Minister Shehbaz. The meeting was also attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He appreciated the diplomatic efforts of the Saudi government to reduce tensions in the region and establish peace in South Asia.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the long-standing relations between the two brotherly countries and thanked Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support to Pakistan in all difficult times.
Discussing the current situation in South Asia, the prime minister strongly condemned India’s missile and drone attacks against Pakistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of several innocent civilians, including women and children and property damage.
“The prime minister stressed that India’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression was a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
“The prime minister paid rich tribute to the brave forces of Pakistan, who displayed exemplary courage and bravery in defending the homeland and thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy,” it added. “He said Pakistan is fully committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
