KEY POINTS
- Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs calls on PM Shehbaz Sharif
- The Saudi minister expresses deep concern about the current situation in South Asia
- Saudi Arabia stresses the peaceful resolution of all disputes between Pakistan and India
- PM Shehbaz says Pakistan is fully determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity
- The Premier says India’s unprovoked aggression seriously endangered regional peace and stability
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir on Friday, during a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep concern over the current escalating situation in South Asia and reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation between Pakistan and India.
The Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs called on PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House.
During their meeting, the Saudi Minister of State expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of precious civilian lives in Pakistan due to Indian air strikes.
“The Kingdom was deeply concerned about the current situation in South Asia, and reiterated his country’s call for de-escalation, as well as peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, in accordance with international law and the UN Security Council’s relevant resolutions,” the PM Office statement quoted the Saudi minister as saying.
PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan was fully determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. He appreciated the Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and bring peace in the region.
Al-Jubeir’s visit comes amid the ongoing escalation between Pakistan and India, which started after New Delhi launched attacks in several Pakistani cities. Islamabad promptly responded to the attacks.
Pakistan claimed that its armed forces shot down five Indian fighter jets, destroyed a brigade headquarters and several military posts.
Pakistan’s armed forces also shot down and destroyed 77 Indian drones. According to security sources, 29 Indian drones were shot down till last evening, while another 48 drones have been destroyed since last night.
The escalation began following the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, killing 26 people.
India, without investigation or presenting any evidence, implied “cross-border linkages” of the attackers. Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for a neutral and transparent international probe.
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During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his warm regards and respects to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, as well as to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia brotherly relations, while appreciating the Kingdom’s steadfast and unwavering support to Pakistan, through thick and thin.
While discussing the prevailing situation in South Asia, the Prime Minister strongly condemned India’s missile and drone strikes against Pakistan that had resulted in the martyrdom of scores of innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as damage to civilian infrastructures.
He stressed that India’s unprovoked and unjustified acts of aggression had violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and seriously endangered regional peace and stability.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan, who had demonstrated exemplary commitment and courage in the defence of the nation, against the enemy’s nefarious advances.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
They discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the time-tested and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
They also exchanged perspectives on the evolving regional situation.
Ishaq Dar expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s constructive diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Saudi minister’s visit comes after Adel al-Jubeir travelled to New Delhi, where he reportedly met Indian officials to urge restraint and dialogue following recent military confrontations.
Saudi Arabia’s active diplomatic engagement signals mounting international concern over the heightened standoff between Pakistan and India, especially after India’s cross-border strikes.
