PM Imran Khan takes Saudi FM into confidence on IOK, anti-Muslim law

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken Saudi Arabia into confidence on the worsening humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and discriminatory legislation in India troubling Muslims.

Prime Minister Imran Khan told the visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud that the Muslim population in India was suffering at the hands of extremist Modi government in the worst manner.

He highlighted in detail the worst situation in the IOK, India’s discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and underscored that the Indian government was engaged in systematic efforts to marginalise and disenfranchise minorities, particularly Muslims.

He said, in addition, India’s belligerent actions on the LoC were stoking further tensions and imperiling regional peace and security.

He stressed that the international community had to play its role in ensuring respect for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, facilitate a just solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, and take steps for the protection of minorities in India.

Saudi Ambassador Admiral Nawaf bin Sai Almaliki was also present in the meeting, while Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and DGISI Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed assisted the prime minister.

Views were exchanged on bilateral relations as well as regional developments in the course of meeting.

Welcoming the Saudi foreign minister, the prime minister underscored the special significance of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship --based on close fraternal ties, historic links, and support at the gross-roots level.

He recalled the visit of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan in February 2019 and the depth and substance that it imparted to bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

Imran appreciated the growing economic ties between the two countries and Saudi commitment for investment in various sectors, particularly petrochemicals, mining and renewable energy.

The prime minister expressed hope that the Saudi team for extending support in the development of tourism sector will visit Pakistan soon, as agreed with HRH the Crown Prince during the prime minister’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi foreign minister conveyed the most cordial greetings of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the leadership and people of Pakistan as well as their deep appreciation for the role being played by Pakistan for regional peace and stability.

Underscoring the key importance of the “core relationship” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the Saudi foreign minister conveyed the firm commitment of the Saudi leadership to the further deepening of fraternal ties and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.

Prince Faisal also reaffirmed the resolve to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields, including trade, investments, energy, and tourism sectors.

The Saudi foreign minister also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s core national issues. The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed. This was the maiden visit of Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to Pakistan since assuming the office.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to maintain frequent high-level contacts and forge closer collaboration on bilateral matters and regional issues.

Meanwhile, the current situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir was raised at the Foreign Office when the visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud called on his Pakistani counterpart Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Prince Faisal was in Islamabad for a day long visit, his first since he took the office of Foreign Minister.

He was in Islamabad for a day-long visit — his first since he took the office of foreign minister.

Thursday was the 144th straight day of lockdown in (IOJ&K) and voices have been raised demanding a more active OIC role on Kashmir.

The two leaders focused on the situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and discussed ways and means to see how the OIC could play a more robust role to further advance the cause of Kashmir.

“Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi dilated in detail on the situation in the IOK in the aftermath of India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019,” said the Foreign Office after the meetings.

Qureshi thanked the Kingdom’s support in the OIC Contact Group on the IOK and both sides agreed to hold further bilateral meetings on Kashmir.

During the detailed deliberations, the entire gamut of bilateral relations was covered and views were exchanged on regional developments.

There was one round of delegation level talks followed by a one on one meeting between the two foreign ministers. A lunch was also hosted for the visiting dignitary.

“Prince Faisal conveyed the Saudi leadership’s deep appreciation of the role played by Pakistan in maintaining regional peace and stability,” said the Foreign Office.

Qureshi also “highlighted the Indian government’s actions with regard to CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act 2019) and NRC (National Register of Citizens) and the systematic targeting of minorities in India, particularly Muslims”.

However, the statement from the Foreign Office did not reveal the reaction from Prince Faisal regarding the Indian CAA and NRC which has seen massive protests all over India leading to the deaths of over 25 Indians.

Though it is believed that the Malaysian Islamic Summit also came under discussion, this was not reflected in the official statements from the two sides.

Instead on Thursday Prince Faisal took the opportunity to once again underscore the importance that Saudi Arabia attached to its fraternal and strategic relationship with Pakistan.

“Saudi Arabia is committed to a strong, prosperous and successful Pakistan, the Saudi foreign minister was quoted as saying.

The deliberations also focused on issues of mutual interest including bilateral trade and economic cooperation, security and defence cooperation, parliamentary exchanges and increased trade relations.

Qureshi underscored that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was deep-rooted and long-standing. He also highlighted the importance of Saudi investments, particularly in the petrochemical, mining & minerals and energy sectors.