This writer is a senior foreign affairs correspondent at The Express Tribune
Prime Minister Imran Khan undertook a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia last week. He was accompanied by senior cabinet members and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who flew to Jeddah ahead of the PM’s trip. Usually, the Pakistani PM visiting Saudi Arabia is a norm and not an anomaly given the close and strategic nature of ties between the two countries. But the same can’t be said about the recent visit. The reason is that this visit took place against the backdrop of a hiccup in ties between the two countries.
Will always support Afghan-led peace process, Bajwa tells Afghan leaders
President Ghani appreciates Pakistan s positive role in peace process SAMAA | Web desk - Posted: May 10, 2021 | Last Updated: 2 weeks ago SAMAA | Web desk Posted: May 10, 2021 | Last Updated: 2 weeks ago
Picture: Pakistan s ambassador to Afghanistan
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Pakistan will always support an âAfghan-led and Afghan-ownedâ peace process in Afghanistan, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told President Ashraf Ghani in a meeting in Kabul on Monday.
According to the ISPR, Army Chief General and ISI DG Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed went to Afghanistan on a one-day official visit and held meetings with the Afghan president and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah.
Why Biden won’t engage with Pakistan
May 7, 2021 US President Joe Biden
When Joe Biden assumed the US presidency in January, many in Pakistan hoped for a bilateral reset. Three months on, there is no such rapprochement in sight as the new administration in Washington delivers perceived snubs rather than engaged olive branches to Islamabad.
Officials claim the US has ignored Pakistan’s hopeful outreach, despite the critical role Islamabad has played in persuading the Taliban to negotiate with the US in a peace process that appears to be headed towards a settlement in neighboring Afghanistan.
Despite that crucial initiative, one that aims to end America’s so-called “endless war”, President Biden has not personally spoken to Prime Minister Imran Khan since the former assumed power, according to Pakistani officials familiar with the situation.
FM Qureshi says PM Imran Khan’s Saudi Arabia visit proved ‘highly productive’
Pakistan
Sat, May 08, 2021
JEDDAH: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday termed the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia as highly productive and said it would bring good news for Pakistani people.
Talking to the media after PM Imran’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, the foreign minister said talks between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were marked by warmth and cordiality.
FM Qureshi, in a video statement, said that delegation-level talks were held in an extremely friendly atmosphere during which views were exchanged on future directions of the bilateral relationship.
PM Imran Khan’s Saudi Arabia visit extremely useful, says FM Qureshi
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Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quershi says talks were marked by warmth and cordiality.
A detailed discussion was held on regional issues, Pakistan s neighbours on both sides and the Afghan peace process.
JEDDAH: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia proved highly productive for Pakistan as a number of agreements were signed and discussions held on several important issues between the leadership of the two countries, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday.
PM Khan is on a three-day visit to the kingdom during which he held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.