Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday proposed Saudi Arabia as a potential neutral venue for long-awaited talks between Pakistan and India, adding a fresh diplomatic dimension to the tense regional dynamics.
In an interaction with TV anchors at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Shehbaz said that critical issues such as Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism would form the core agenda for any dialogue with New Delhi. Dismissing China as a possible host for such talks, he emphasized that India would not agree to negotiations there, but expressed hope that Riyadh could serve as an acceptable third-party location.
In response to a question referencing earlier mediation offers by US President Donald Trump, the prime minister reiterated that Saudi Arabia remains a realistic and neutral option.
When asked about the diverging priorities of the two countries—India’s focus on terrorism and Pakistan’s emphasis on Kashmir—the premier maintained that all four subjects would be central to any meaningful talks between the two nations.
Field Marshal Decision
Shehbaz Sharif also addressed questions surrounding his decision to elevate Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal. Clarifying that the decision was his own, he said it was made after due consultation with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif.
“I always consult Nawaz Sharif before taking any key decision, and the same happened in the case of Gen Asim Munir,” he noted, addressing concerns that the PML-N historically opposed term extensions for army chiefs.
KP Support and India De-escalation
Commenting on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the premier said the federal government had already released over Rs600 billion to support the province under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), particularly in its anti-terror efforts.
He also mentioned that communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had contributed to a de-escalation in bilateral tensions. He added that if talks with India proceed, Pakistan’s National Security Adviser would lead the delegation.
Push for Affordable Housing
In a separate high-level meeting on low-cost housing, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of affordable housing initiatives for both social welfare and economic growth.
He directed the relevant task force, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and banks, to present recommendations for housing finance mechanisms to be included in the upcoming federal budget.
“The sustainable growth of the economy is closely linked with the development of the construction sector,” he remarked.
The meeting, attended by ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, the FBR chairman, and other senior officials, was briefed on legislative updates. These include the near-finalization of the Condominium Act 2025 and amendments to the Foreclosure Law, both of which are expected to facilitate easier access to housing loans.
The task force also updated the meeting on progress made in initiating construction projects, particularly under the umbrella of low-cost housing schemes.
