ISLAMABAD:Several international and regional players are engaged with Pakistan and India, urging restraint between the two nuclear armed neighbours, as tensions continued between the two countries, triggered by the April 22 attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) saw hectic diplomatic manoeuvres with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar receiving a call from his Russia counterpart Sergey Lavrove. At the same time, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a grouping of oil rich Arab states, also issued a statement, calling on Pakistan and India to pursue a diplomatic path to resolve their issues.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad as part of Tehran’s efforts to meditate between the two countries.Tensions between Pakistan and India have been brewing since the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi blamed Pakistan without sharing any evidence.
In a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dar rejected India’s baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric against Pakistan, and condemned India’s unilateral and illegal move to hold the Indus Waters treat (IWT) in abeyance which, he termed a violation of its international obligations.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, Dar emphasised that Pakistan would resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and national interests. He also conveyed Pakistan’s offer for an international, transparent and independent investigation.
Lavrov, who on Saturday spoke to Indian Foreign Minister S J Shankar, expressed concern over the situation and stressed the importance of diplomacy to resolve issues. He emphasised that both sides should exercise restraint and avoid escalation.
The two leaders also discussed the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across all sectors.On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will undertake an official visit to Pakistan, according to the Foreign office.
“This high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran. It also underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest,” it said.
The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments. During the visit, Foreign Minister Araghchi will call on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
