In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, predominantly Hindus, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to key Gulf nations—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—seeking their assistance in defusing the escalating tensions with India.
On Friday, Prime Minister Sharif held separate meetings in Islamabad with the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. During these discussions, he briefed them on Pakistan’s position regarding the April 22 attack and urged these “brotherly” nations to encourage India to de-escalate the situation.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants responsible for the attack, a claim that Islamabad vehemently denies. Pakistan has offered to participate in an impartial international investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
The aftermath of the attack has seen a rapid deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. Both countries have expelled each other’s diplomats, suspended bilateral trade, and closed their airspace to each other’s flights. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement between the two nations.
Cross-border skirmishes have been reported along the Line of Control (LoC), further heightening fears of a broader conflict. The United States has intervened diplomatically, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging in talks with both Indian and Pakistani leaders to urge restraint and promote dialogue.
In addition to seeking support from Gulf nations, Prime Minister Sharif has also engaged with China, a longstanding ally, to garner diplomatic backing. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.
The Gulf countries have responded with calls for restraint and peaceful resolution, maintaining a neutral stance amid the crisis. Their responses reflect a desire to protect their strategic interests and maintain balanced relations with both India and Pakistan.
As tensions remain high, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both nations to prioritize diplomacy and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.
