There was a news item in our media last week that the prime minister had gone to Riyadh in order to remove misunderstanding of the Saudi rulers about Pakistan’s participation in Kaula Lampur summit conference. It was not elaborated in the news item as to what exactly was the misunderstanding ? Such incomplete news stories do spread rumours and that is why it is extremely essential for every government to always keep its parliament abreast of the happenings in the foreign affairs. Granted that there are some sensitive matters which cannot be made public but they can always be discussed in camera in parliament or, alternatively, editors of the leading dailies and TV news channels can be briefed about them so that unwarranted stories aren’t published or telecast.
Iran is our next door neighbour. Saudi Arabia has always stood by us in our hour of crisis. We have excellent relations with both of them but, but unfortunately, they are at daggers drawn with each other since long. Meat of one is the poison of another. We have to maintain a balance in our relations with both of them. A few months back our prime minister had taken upon himself the task to make them mend fences and had shown a lot of enthusiasm in the matter by visiting these countries to mediate between them. There was, however, inexplicable silence and inactivity on his part after that. We must observe abundant caution in our dealings with both these countries ensuring that our neutrality is never compromised in the matter.
- Latest
- Trending
