The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, announced that Saudi Arabia could be a "neutral place" to host talks between Pakistan and India on a number of contentious issues, including Kashmir, water, trade, and counter-terrorism, a move that could open a new window in relations long marred by tension between the two nuclear neighbors.
In a closed discussion with a group of television broadcasters at the Prime Minister's office, Sharif ruled out China as a suitable platform for these negotiations, according to the Pakistani newspaper "Dawn," today, Thursday.
He also mentioned that tensions between the countries had begun to decrease following direct contacts that took place between the military operations directors of the two countries, which opened up the possibility of resuming dialogue. He added that the Pakistani National Security Advisor would head his country's delegation if the negotiations were held.
Although India pays special attention to the terrorism issue, the Pakistani Prime Minister emphasized that the dialogue agenda, from Islamabad's perspective, should include the issues of "Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism" collectively, not separately.
Promotion of the army chief
Regarding the promotion of Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, to the rank of Field Marshal, a file that has caused much controversy in the country, Sharif confirmed that he personally made the decision.
However, he clarified at the same time that he consulted his elder brother and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, before making this decision. He said, "I always consult with Nawaz Sharif before making any important decision, and this was also the case in the promotion of General Asim Munir."
Tensions had escalated between Islamabad and New Delhi following a deadly attack in April inside the Indian part of Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 people.
India blamed Pakistan and accused it of supporting the militants behind the attack, the deadliest on civilians in the Muslim-majority Kashmir in decades, but Islamabad denied any link to it.
Between the 6th of May and the 10th, the world held its breath as Pakistan and India were on the brink of a new war in the most serious military confrontation between them since 1999.
However, American President Donald Trump announced on May 10th that a truce had been reached, which appears to be holding up, according to AFP.
