Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Discuss India, with Emphasis on Kashmir Issue

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de-facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently convened an official meeting at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca, where they underscored the significance of dialogue between Pakistan and India in resolving their longstanding issues, particularly focusing on the Kashmir matter, according to reports from news agency PTI.

Following the meeting on April 7, a joint statement was issued, emphasizing the need to strengthen the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

The statement highlighted discussions on regional issues, with a particular focus on Kashmir. It quoted both leaders stressing the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to address outstanding issues, notably the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region.

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India has consistently maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral matter solely between itself and Pakistan, rejecting any mediation or intervention by third parties. Tensions between the two countries escalated after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcating the state into two Union territories on August 5, 2019. Pakistan responded strongly to this move, downgrading diplomatic ties and expelling the Indian envoy. India has consistently reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of the country.

India has expressed its desire for normal neighborly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terrorism, hostility, and violence.

Regarding Pakistan’s economy, the joint statement highlighted Saudi Arabia’s supportive role and the mutual desire to strengthen trade and investment ties. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of the investment package worth $5 billion, which had been previously discussed.

Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to Prince Mohammed bin Salman to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, which was accepted by the Crown Prince.