–Qureshi says Saudi Arabia, UAE stand with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday urged the international community to push India into halting and reversing its illegal and aggressive policies and postures in occupied Kashmir.
He said this while talking to Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Islamabad, who called on him soon after their arrival in the country on a one-day visit.
The prime minister highlighted deep concerns over the worsening human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) because of the month-long complete lockdown and communications blackout in the occupied territory. He further underscored that India’s actions are a clear violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international law.
The premier also said that there is a genuine possibility that India might stage a false flag operation to divert world’s attention from its illegal actions and intensified repression of Kashmiris.
The prime minister added that Saudi Arabia and UAE have an important role in this regard. The visiting dignitaries said they were visiting Pakistan at the direction of their leadership. They reaffirmed the strategic significance of the relationship of Saudi Arabia and UAE with Pakistan.
They also acknowledged Pakistan’s role and efforts in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability. They said that both countries would remain engaged to help address the current challenges, defuse tensions, and promote an environment of peace and security.
‘KSA, UAE STAND WITH PAKISTAN’:
Addressing a press conference following the visiting dignitaries’ meeting with the premier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, “There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia and UAE are standing with us.”
“We are hopeful that both countries will not disappoint us. The ministers of both countries have listened to our stance on the situation,” he added.
Qureshi told reporters that a meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir will be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, which will be held later this month.
“Pakistan wants to see OIC playing a prominent role,” Qureshi added.
Earlier, upon their arrival in Pakistan, both dignitaries were received by FM Qureshi at the airport.
On Tuesday, PM Imran and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed “latest developments in the region” in a telephonic conversation. According to a news agency, the two “reviewed relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the region”.
The visit of State Minister Al-Jubeir comes at a time when tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan, are at an all-time high following the Indian decision to strip held Kashmir of its special status through a rushed presidential decree.
Saudi Arabia, which is a crucial strategic partner of Pakistan, has deep corporate ties with India which, boasting of its massive population, offers a huge consumption market.
On August 12, state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco bought a 20 per cent stake in Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) flagship chemicals and refining business in a deal valued at $15 billion.
