Saudi Leadership once again disappoints Imran Khan over Kashmir

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is in Saudi Arabia after his visit to Tehran. Mr Khan once again raised the Kashmir issue with the Saudi leadership but could not elicit the answer he has been looking for. While the Saudi leadership called for “de-escalation of tensions” it did not support the claims of “humanitarian crisis” made by Pakistan. This is the third time that Imran Khan is meeting the Saudi leadership. The meeting between the leaders is said to bring peace between Saudi Arabia and Tehran who are in locked horns following attacks on Saudi oil facilities. While Iran denies any involvement and is being backed by Turkey, the United States sides with Saudi Arabia.

Imran Khan raises Kashmir issue with Saudi 

During his meeting with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Mr Khan, once again raised the Kashmir issue seeking support against India but the leaders of the Kingdom refused to comment against the decision taken by the government of India. The Saudi leaders appealed for “de-escalation of tensions” and called for a “peaceful resolution”- a view that has been their long-held position. Following his meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Imran Khan had taken to Twitter to thank him for his support on Kashmir and had called for “solidarity among Muslim nations”. Mr Khan, in the past, had appeared miffed with the “Islamic World” for not standing together and supporting his call against the Indian government's decision to abrogate a section of Article 370.

FATF to decide Pakistan's fate

The meeting with the Saudi leadership is also important as it comes at the backdrop of the crucial Financial Action Task Force meeting in Paris which would decide the fate of Pakistan i.e. whether the country could be trusted over its commitment to fight terrorism and stop terror financing. Pakistan is currently placed on what is called the 'grey list' and if fails to convince the FATF, it could be put on 'blacklist'.

FATF to issue report on Pakistan on October 18 

The FATF meeting is expected to issue its report on Pakistan on October 18 as it concludes with its President issuing statement over the matters discussed. Currently, China holds the presidency of the organisation making Pakistan hopeful on the matter however, all eyes are on the compliance report which would be the key factor behind any conclusion over Pakistan's fate.