Pakistan in talks with UAE, Saudi, China & Qatar to ease tensions: Defence Minister

Pakistan Engages in Diplomatic Outreach Amid Rising Tensions with India

Islamabad: In the wake of heightened military tensions with India, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday stated that the government is actively maintaining daily diplomatic engagement with key regional players—including Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, and Qatar—to prevent further escalation in the region.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif clarified that the recent Indian drone intrusions were primarily for surveillance rather than direct strikes. He claimed the drones were neutralized only after they crossed into a “safe zone,” to protect critical defense locations.

Information Minister Atta Tarar revealed that Pakistan intercepted 29 drones between Wednesday and Thursday evening, with another 48 shot down later. India, however, countered that Pakistan launched a wave of 300–400 drones targeting 36 military locations from Leh to Sir Creek, all of which were destroyed by Indian forces.

Tensions soared after India’s “Operation Sindoor” on Wednesday, which followed the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, alleged to have cross-border links. Pakistan is also accused of attempting retaliatory strikes on 15 Indian cities, which were reportedly thwarted.

Amidst this, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir visited Islamabad after a stop in New Delhi, holding talks with Pakistani leaders including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and expected meetings with PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir.

Al-Jubeir’s visit came shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held talks in New Delhi as part of a scheduled bilateral commission meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar—underscoring increased regional diplomatic activity.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry vowed to defend national sovereignty, alleging that India is using the Pahalgam attack to distract from its internal issues. Emergency protocols are in place, and health authorities throughout Pakistan are still on high alert. After a brief pause, flights at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport restarted.

India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has drawn criticism from Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, who described it as a breach of international conventions. India is trying to “weaponize water” and hurt Pakistan’s economy, he said, with long-term repercussions.