India-Pakistan Tensions
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 9, amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
According to diplomatic sources, the high-profile visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to engage regional players and promote dialogue during a time of heightened military and political strain in South Asia.
Al-Jubeir is currently in India, where he has been holding discussions with Indian leadership. His trip to Pakistan marks a significant diplomatic move as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to rise following recent drone and missile exchanges along the border.
The timing of the Saudi minister’s visit coincides with increasing international concern over the situation. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned recent Indian drone strikes and missile attacks on Pakistani territory.
In a phone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the prime minister expressed deep concern over what he termed as blatant violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by India.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz informed Secretary Rubio that the Indian attacks had resulted in the martyrdom of 31 Pakistani civilians and had injured at least 57 others. He emphasized that India’s aggressive actions pose a serious and immediate threat to peace and stability in the entire South Asian region.
During the conversation, both leaders agreed on the importance of de-escalation and maintaining open lines of communication. Secretary Rubio reportedly reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to regional peace, stability, and the protection of civilian lives. He urged both India and Pakistan to pursue diplomatic means to resolve their differences and avoid further conflict.
The upcoming visit by the Saudi minister is expected to include meetings with Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Analysts view the visit as part of Saudi Arabia’s traditional role as a stabilizing actor in regional disputes, and it may pave the way for broader international mediation efforts to reduce hostilities between India and Pakistan.
