PM Shehbaz Seeks Saudi Support to Ease India-Pakistan Tensions
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Saudi Arabia and other friendly nations on Friday to help de-escalate tensions with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, as diplomatic strains between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to rise.
Key Points from PM’s Meeting with Saudi Ambassador
1. Appeal for Regional De-escalation
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PM Sharif urged Saudi Arabia and other allies to encourage India to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
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He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, rejecting India’s “baseless accusations” linking Islamabad to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir.
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“Pakistan supports a neutral, international investigation into the incident,” Sharif stated.
2. Focus on Economic Stability
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The PM emphasized that Pakistan will not compromise its economic progress, achieved through 15 months of reforms with international support, including from Riyadh.
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“We cannot afford irresponsible actions that undermine our hard-earned stability,” he said.
3. Gratitude to Saudi Leadership
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Sharif conveyed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their consistent support.
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Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliky reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to regional peace and strong ties with Pakistan.
Broader Context: Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
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India’s Allegations: New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack without evidence, leading to a diplomatic fallout.
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Pakistan’s Response: Islamabad denied involvement, offered a joint probe, and retaliated against India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and border closures.
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International Concern: The situation has drawn global attention, with fears of military escalation in an already volatile region.
Why It Matters
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Saudi Arabia’s Role: As a key mediator in the Muslim world and a strategic partner of both Pakistan and India, Riyadh’s influence could help ease tensions.
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Economic Risks: Further hostilities could disrupt Pakistan’s economic recovery and foreign investment prospects.
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Global Implications: Any prolonged crisis risks destabilizing South Asia, a region already grappling with security challenges.
What’s Next?
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Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan is likely to engage more allies, including China and the UAE, to prevent escalation.
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International Mediation: Calls for third-party intervention may grow if bilateral talks remain stalled.
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Security Preparedness: Both nations maintain high military alert, raising risks of unintended clashes.
PM Shehbaz’s appeal to Saudi Arabia signals Pakistan’s preference for dialogue over confrontation. However, with India maintaining a hardline stance, the crisis remains precarious. The coming weeks will test whether diplomatic channels can prevail over rising hostilities.
“War is not an option—but Pakistan will defend itself if forced,” a government official warned. The world watches as the two rivals navigate this dangerous standoff. 🌍⚖️
