ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Islamabad and New Delhi only had one conflict, over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, and urged both nations to resolve it like "civilised" neighbours.
The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir -- divided between the two nations -- since their independence in 1947.
Addressing the Pakistan-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, the PM highlighted Pakistan's growth potential and its young population and strategic location, which India could benefit from.
"We have two of the biggest markets [India, China] in the world neighbouring us, through Afghanistan we have [access] to Central Asian markets,” Khan said. "We have excellent relations with China, but if somehow we improve our relationship with India…”
He then added cheekily: “I know after last night's thrashing by the Pakistan team in the cricket match, it's not a very good time to talk about improving relations with India,” referring to Pakistan beating India by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup opener on Sunday.
Decades of bitter rivalry between the neighbors often clouds their cricket encounters. India has largely refused to play bilateral games against Pakistan since 2008, after deadly attacks in Mumbai which India blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denies state complicity.
Now they only play each other in international events. The last meeting was at the 50-over World Cup two years ago but even that was at the center of boycott calls.
Speaking in Riyadh, the premier said the two countries should try to resolve the Kashmir conflict like "civilised" neighbours.
"It's all about human rights and the rights of the people of Kashmir for self-determination as guaranteed by the United Nations Security Council 72 years ago,” Khan said. "If that right is given to them, we have no other problems. The two countries can live as civilised neighbours … just imagine the potential."
The PM said India could gain access to Central Asia through Pakistan and in turn the latter would gain access to two huge markets.
‘Imagine potential’ if Pakistan, India can live like ‘civilized neighbors’ - PM Khan
https://arab.news/zbkmq
‘Imagine potential’ if Pakistan, India can live like ‘civilized neighbors’ - PM Khan
- Khan addresses Pakistan-Saudi Investment Forum a day after Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup fixture
- Cheekily says it wasn’t a “good time” to talk about mending fences after Pakistan’s thrashing of Indian cricket team
Pakistan to promote mineral sector at Saudi forum this month with 13 companies
- Delegation will take part in the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh from Jan. 13-15
- Petroleum minister will lead Pakistan, participate in a 90-minute country session
ISLAMABAD: Around 13 Pakistani state-owned and private companies will attend the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Saudi Arabia from Jan. 13 to 15, an official statement said on Friday, as the country seeks to ramp up global engagement to develop its mineral resources.
The FMF is an international conference and investment platform for the mining sector, hosted by mineral-rich countries to attract global investors, companies and governments.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed Pakistan’s participation in a meeting with the Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.
Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest copper-gold zones. The Reko Diq mine in southwestern Balochistan, with an estimated 5.9 billion tons of ore, is partly owned by Barrick Gold, which calls it one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold deposits. Its development is expected to boost Pakistan’s struggling economy.
“Upon an invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Minister informed the Ambassador that Pakistan will fully participate in the upcoming Future Minerals Forum (FMF), scheduled to be held in Riyadh later this month,” Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID) said in an official statement.
The Pakistani minister will lead his country’s delegation at the FMF and take part in a 90-minute country showcase session titled “Unleashing Potential: Accelerating Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution” along with local and foreign investors.
Pakistan will also establish a dedicated pavilion to highlight the vast potential of its rich geological landscape to the global mineral community.
The Saudi envoy welcomed Pakistan’s decision to participate in the forum and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors during the meeting.
According to the statement, he highlighted the potential for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the minerals and energy sectors, expressing confidence that the FMF would provide a platform to expand collaboration.
Pakistan’s mineral sector, despite its rich reserves of salt, copper, gold and coal, contributes only 3.2 percent to the country’s GDP and just 0.1 percent to global mineral exports.
However, many countries, including the United States, have shown interest in Pakistan’s underdeveloped mineral sector, particularly in copper, gold and other critical resources.
In October, Pakistan dispatched its first-ever shipment of rare earth and critical minerals to the United States, according to a Chicago-based US public relations firm’s report.
