PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take a 'clear and unambiguous' position on the Kashmir dispute at a time when people of Pakistan and Kashmiris expect a 'strong support' from the Muslim world.
The development came amid concerns that key Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia and UAE have so far given a muted reaction to India's illegal annexation of disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.
Against this backdrop, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on Wednesday together visited Islamabad in an unprecedented move, seen by many as an effort by the two key Arab countries to reassure their support to Pakistan.
Both leaders held formal talks at the foreign office with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and then detailed discussions with Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The official handouts released by both the Prime Minister Office and foreign ministry said the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir was the major focus.
Although, official readout did not explicitly say it, sources told The Express Tribune that the purpose of Saudi and UAE top diplomats visit was (a) to offer Pakistan their help in defusing tensions with India (b) to pacify the public anger in Pakistan over Arab countries' apparent muted reaction to Modi's abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
"At this particular time, the people of Pakistan and the Kashmiris expected strong support from the Muslim world. In this context, it was very important to give a clear and unambiguous signal of support and solidarity with the Kashmiri people," Foreign Minister Qureshi was quoted as saying by the foreign office.
The Saudi and UAE top diplomats said they were visiting Pakistan at the direction of their leadership.
They reaffirmed the strategic significance of the relationship of KSA and UAE with Pakistan. They also acknowledged Pakistan's role and efforts in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability.
"They fully understood the anguish of the people of Pakistan over the recent developments and were concerned over the worsening humanitarian situation in IOJ&K," said the official statement.
The duo, according to official sources, also offered Saudi Arabia and UAE's 'good offices' to help defuse the brewing tensions in South Asia in the wake of India's illegal annexation of disputed Jammu and Kashmir region on August 5.
Sources said Pakistani sides also conveyed to the Saudi Arabia and UAE dignitaries that Islamabad never wanted any escalation in tensions but made it clear that no engagement was possible with India under the current circumstances.
Both the diplomats were told in categorical terms that Pakistan would no more trust the Modi administration and hence UN or any other third party intervention was needed.
Official sources said the Saudi and UAE ministers assured Pakistan that they would do whatever they could to reduce the tensions over Kashmir.
Prime Minister Imran in his meeting with the visiting Arab guests highlighted Pakistan's deep concern over the worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in IOJ&K because of the month-long complete lockdown and communications blackout in the occupied territory.
The prime minister stressed the importance of immediate lifting of curfew, removal of restrictions on movement and communications and respect for the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.
PM Imran further underscored that India's actions were a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.
"There was a genuine fear of a false flag operation to divert the world's attention from India's illegal actions and intensified repression of Kashmiris," said PM Office release.
India's actions had created grave risks for peace and security in the region. The international community has the responsibility to urge India to halt and reverse its illegal actions and aggressive policies and postures. The prime minister added that Saudi Arabia and UAE had an important role in this regard.
Both countries would remain engaged to help address the current challenges, defuse tensions, and promote an environment of peace and security.
Separately, Foreign Minister Qureshi told the Saudi and UAE ministers that Indian actions and postures had the real potential to seriously imperil peace and security
The visiting ministers underlined the strong bonds of Saudi Arabia and UAE with Pakistan and the strategic salience of their relationships with Islamabad.
They reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with the people of Pakistan. With regard to the situation in IOJ&K, the ministers took full cognizance of Pakistan's perspective. It was agreed to work closely in OIC, according to the official statement.
COMMENTS (2)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ