ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a high-profile official visit to Saudi Arabia from August 6 to 8, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The announcement came as the government simultaneously rejected India’s objections to the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, branding them as unfounded interference.
Strategic Dialogue with Saudi Leadership
During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi detailed the upcoming trip, stating that the prime minister is scheduled to hold crucial talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agenda will focus on strengthening the deep-rooted bilateral relationship and exploring new pathways for economic and strategic cooperation.
The inclusion of Field Marshal Asim Mun in the delegation underscores the visit’s broad scope, which is expected to encompass security and defense collaboration alongside diplomatic and economic discussions. The spokesperson noted that Pakistan remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to foster stability across the Middle East, commending Oman’s constructive mediation role in the evolving regional landscape.
Forceful Rejection of Indian Statements on AJK Elections
In a sharp rebuttal, the Foreign Office categorically dismissed recent remarks from India concerning the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Spokesperson Andrabi insisted that the polling process is being conducted with complete transparency and integrity.
“India has no moral standing to comment on the democratic exercise in Azad Kashmir,” Andrabi stated. He accused New Delhi of attempting to divert international attention from the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by peddling what he described as misinformation regarding fatalities in the region.
Regional Diplomacy and Bangladesh Situation
Addressing a separate query on the political situation in Bangladesh, the spokesperson adopted a principle of non-interference, expressing confidence that the people of Bangladesh are fully capable of resolving their domestic affairs. The statement reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic posture of respecting national sovereignty while maintaining active engagement on critical regional issues.
