Pakistan

Saudi foreign minister due in Islamabad today

Adel Bin Ahmed al Jubeir was originally supposed to visit last Sunday

Our Correspondent January 07, 2016

PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed al Jubeir is arriving in Islamabad today (Thursday) to share details with Pakistani authorities regarding the newly-formed alliance of Islamic countries against terrorism and extremism.

Jubeir was originally supposed to visit last Sunday but delayed his trip due to the situation arising out of escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric by the Kingdom.

Pakistan’s stakes in Saudi-sponsored coalition

The Saudi minister will meet Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz during his stay. He will also call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief General Raheel Sharif.

His visit comes at a time when Pakistan is trying to follow a delicate path in order to preempt any negative fallout of rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

A senior official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan is seeking a de-escalation of tensions between the two key Muslim countries and that it is ready to act as a mediator instead of taking sides.

Pakistan urges Saudi Arabia, Iran to resolve difference through peaceful means

Officially, Pakistan voiced deep concerns over the Saudi-Iran row and warned that dark forces of extremism and terrorism could take advantage of this division between the Muslim countries.

This supercharged atmosphere has even put Pakistan in the tight corner as far as its role in the Saudi-led 34-nation alliance is concerned, which is going to be the main talking point between Jubeir and authorities in Islamabad.

After initial confusion, Pakistan announced its participation in the alliance but said the scope of its participation was yet to be decided.

Saudi-led coalition: Pakistan won’t support moves against Syria or Iran, say officials

Sources said the Saudi foreign minister will share details of the alliance.

The alliance does not include countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2016.

COMMENTS (6)

Raj - USA | 8 years ago | Reply @Acorn Guts: "Some serious arm twisting expected in Islamabad today." Yes, they already have Rawalpindi in their pockets.

Abbas | 8 years ago | Reply The issue of Bangladesh is same as issue of KAS. If we not allow anyone to interfere the matter of KSA then we also not allow anyone to interfere the matter of Bangladesh. Only KSA is allow to interfere internal and external affair of all Arab countries and order them to withdraw ambassador to Tehran Lesson from story is might is right

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Acorn Guts | 8 years ago | Reply Some serious arm twisting expected in Islamabad today. I hope we stand our ground and say no to this new global mess Saudia is about create.

Observer | 8 years ago | Reply You are alone in your follies.

Bilal | 8 years ago | Reply Notwithstanding our own challenges, Pakistan needs to man-up to its regional responsibilities. There are expectations that our friends have of us and we should be up to the task. The world is a changed placed and you simply cannot afford to loose or weaken your alliances. We should play a crucial role in bringing Saudi and Iran to a negotiating table and strive hard for regional peace. This is an opportunity for Pakistan to act mature and take a clear stance otherwise the conflict can have severe repercussions for the region as well as our country (whether we like it or not). But first, could the Pakistani foreign minister please stand up?

Kamran Ahmad Kami | 8 years ago | Reply Marhaba Marhaba

Replying to X