Saudi, Chinese, UAE envoys held meetings with PM, COAS, others

Islamabad : Pakistan’s three traditional friendly capitals appear to be active for smooth sailing within the country in upcoming events; the most important is holding of the general elections and campaign that has already been launched in informal manner.

The ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had significant meetings here in Islamabad recently with the stalwarts of both the sides of the divide. Saudi Ambassador Admiral Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki and China’s Ambassador Yao Jing had meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi separately here at the Prime Minister Office (PMO) on Tuesday.

They earlier had meeting with the one of the major opposition parties, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and some top leaders of other opposition parties in Islamabad.

Ambassador of the UAE Hamad Obaid Zanubi is also having such meetings.

The diplomatic sources pointed out that Prime Minister Abbasi is leaving for China next week and for the reason his meeting with Chinese ambassador could have the added significance but rest of the diplomats high profile meetings believed to be linked with the efforts of these brotherly countries urge to see stability in Pakistan.

Some diplomats also had meeting with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in recent days.

The diplomats posted in Islamabad are openly expressing fear that their host country is heading towards turmoil that could be heavily detrimental for the interest of Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia had been playing such “go-between” role in past when warring political parties reached to unbearable level of animosity in Pakistan. The sources reminded that diplomats operate on working level while meetings between head of state/government of the envoys always take place with special purpose.

The visiting envoy is most of the time convey conspicuous message of his government or leader to prime minister on the occasion, the sources added. One couldn’t rule out possibility of a ‘thaw’ between the front–line parties for mutual co-existence.

The diplomats are also meeting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for important consultations as they seek guidance from him to run the affairs of the government smoothly, the sources pointed out.