Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called upon Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies to use their influence to help reduce mounting tensions between India and Pakistan. The appeal comes in the aftermath of the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India has indirectly blamed Pakistan for the incident without providing evidence, a claim Pakistan has strongly rejected, calling for an impartial international investigation.
In a series of high-level diplomatic meetings held in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz met with ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability, urging these nations to convey the importance of de-escalation to India. The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan has been a frontline state in the global fight against terrorism and would not take any action that risks regional peace or jeopardizes its own economic progress.
Diplomatic Outreach Gains Momentum
During his meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s longstanding support. He reiterated Pakistan’s peaceful intentions and requested Saudi Arabia to use its influence to urge India toward restraint. The ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns and affirmed Saudi Arabia’s desire to work for peace and security in the region.
Similar sentiments were echoed in meetings with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi and Kuwaiti Ambassador Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser. Both envoys appreciated Pakistan’s transparency and expressed readiness to collaborate in promoting peace. PM Shehbaz also welcomed the forthcoming visit of Kuwait’s Crown Prince, reaffirming the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.
Additionally, the prime minister reached out to other key international stakeholders, including Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. These engagements aim to build international consensus around de-escalation and responsible diplomacy amid escalating rhetoric from New Delhi.
Foreign Minister Highlights India’s Treaty Violations
Parallel to the prime minister’s outreach, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in diplomatic conversations with counterparts in Panama and Denmark. He strongly criticized India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a breach of international law and a dangerous precedent. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty while contributing to regional peace.
Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinze-Acha Vasquez and Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen both emphasized restraint and peaceful dialogue. As non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, the countries agreed to maintain communication and support efforts toward de-escalation. They also discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in economic and investment domains.
