PM intensifies outreach to friends in Middle East
• Dar briefs Panama, Denmark FMs; asks both non-permanent UNSC members to play their role in de-escalation
• Asif says Pakistan will strike any structure India builds to divert water
ISLAMABAD: Reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in South Asia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued reaching out to friendly states to convey the country’s stance on Pahalgam attack, with an aim to deescalate tensions in the region.
On Friday, the PM asked the governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait to press India to avoid war between the two nuclear states.
“He [PM] urged brotherly countries to impress upon India to de-escalate and defuse tensions,” said an official press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office.
In a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliky, the prime minister conveyed his warm wishes to the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as well as to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. He thanked the Saudi leadership and people for always standing in solidarity with Pakistan through thick and thin. While sharing Pakistan’s perspective on recent developments in South Asia after the Pahalgam incident, the prime minister said that Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It had rendered great sacrifices in its counter-terrorism efforts over the years. “This was done not only to protect Pakistan but the entire world,” he added.
According to the PM Office, the Saudi ambassador thanked the prime minister for sharing his views on the issue and expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to work with Pakistan for peace and security in the region.
In a separate meeting, PM Shehbaz shared with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi Pakistan’s perspective on recent developments in South Asia, with the request to use its role in defusing tensions in the region.
“Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as it had itself been one of the biggest victims of terrorism,” the PM said.
He apprised the ambassador that Pakistan was also reaching out to other friendly countries to present its position on the current crisis.
Later, Kuwaiti Ambassador Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser called on PM Shehbaz, who conveyed his warm wishes to Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during the meeting.
Highlighting the strong, historic, brotherly ties between Kuwait and Pakistan, the PM said he keenly looked forward to the visit of Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
He also took the Kuwaiti ambassador into confidence on Pakistan’s stance on recent developments in South Asia since the Pahalgam incident. He firmly rejected India’s baseless accusations, linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, without sharing any proof or evidence.
Dar briefs Panama, Denmark
Also, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held separate phone conversations with Foreign Minister of Panama Javier Eduardo Martinze-Acha Vasquez and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen over the regional situation.
Deputy PM Dar briefed Javier Eduardo Martinze-Acha about India’s inflammatory propaganda and its “illegal, unilateral actions” against Pakistan, including holding in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty in a clear violation of international law.
FM Javier emphasised that both sides should exercise restraint.
Being non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to international peace and security, according to a foreign ministry press release.
In his talk with Danish FM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Senator Dar explained the measures taken by Pakistan’s National Security Committee in response to India’s baseless accusations and its unilateral and provocative actions.
Expressing concern over the escalation, FM Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasised on the importance of both sides exercising restraint.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact on regional and global developments, particularly at the UNSC, as non-permanent members. They also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Will strike water diversions: Asif
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday that if India constructs any structure to divert water, it would be considered an act of war and Pakistan will have the right to strike.
Speaking to Geo News, the minister said that based on its geography, the location of the Chenab and Jhelum rivers “does not allow for them to be diverted”.
“Architecturally, practically, this is not possible,” the defence minister said.
“This is an established treaty … violating it is not easy,” he said, referring to the Indus Waters Treaty.
The defence minister also doubled down on his earlier claim that an Indian incursion was imminent, saying: “Reports are emerging that there were preparations for the attack and that allegations would be made against Pakistan.”
“Till now, there is not a shred of evidence,” he added. “They carried this out for their political gains. Otherwise, there is no credibility.”
With additional input from APP
Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2025