PM Shehbaz turns to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait amid rising regional tensions following deadly Kashmir attack
Amid escalating tensions with India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 tourists dead, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, urging them to mediate and help prevent further deterioration in the region, reported arabnews.com.
Sharif urges Gulf nations to push for peace in South Asia
Sharif held separate meetings on Friday with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, and Kuwaiti Ambassador Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser in Islamabad. During the discussions, he emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and called for international mediation to defuse the situation, which has seen the nuclear-armed neighbors exchange fire, expel diplomats, and shut their borders.
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India has blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a charge Islamabad firmly denies
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The Pakistani government has instead called for a “neutral and credible” international investigation, rejecting what it describes as “baseless Indian accusations.”
Pakistan says it remains committed to peace and economic stability
The Pakistani premier reiterated that his government has made considerable sacrifices in its fight against terrorism—losing over 90,000 lives and incurring $152 billion in economic damage. “It is inconceivable for Pakistan to act irresponsibly and jeopardize its achievements,” Sharif stated, reaffirming that Islamabad remains focused on economic progress, particularly after recent gains supported by friendly nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
He appealed to the Gulf countries to use their diplomatic influence to urge India to de-escalate. The visiting ambassadors expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s transparency and pledged their support for regional peace.
Diplomatic push expands beyond Gulf region
In addition to seeking help from the Gulf, Pakistani officials have engaged with counterparts in China, Iran, Egypt, and other nations. The United Nations and countries such as China have called for restraint and dialogue between the two South Asian rivals.
The Kashmir region—claimed in full but administered in parts by both India and Pakistan—remains a longstanding flashpoint. The two nations have fought multiple wars and skirmishes over the territory, and fears of a broader conflict loom amid the latest flare-up.
