Saudi offer to mediate

One can only hope that Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al Saud did his homework before
proposing to resolve issues between Pakistan and India; because it's been India’s hobby so far to reject
any third party interference in bilateral concerns of Pakistan and India. But the problem with that is
Delhi have so far refuses to begin bilateral negotiations with Pakistan, particularly on Kashmir. That is
how it has been able to keep away international attention on the issue for the longest time. Pakistan
especially over the last couple of years has been able to make progress; Islamabad’s strategy to counter
the paralysis in the international community is to present facts and data from on-ground sources and
present its findings for the world to take notice. Prime Minister Imran Khan is due to speak at the
United Nations and no doubt he will bring up the issue of Kashmir, just like he’s done all the time. In this
way Pakistan expects to grab attention from a number of countries to this issue. And it is a good sign
that Muslim countries like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who really never stood with Pakistan on the
matter of Kashmir because of their own interests, are also beginning to show some measured concern.
Therefore, time will tell if Riyadh is able to help or not.
Dialogue initiated with Taliban
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to initiate dialogue with the Taliban leadership for an inclusive,
government in Afghanistan, which includes Uzbeks, Tajiks and Hazaras, is being appreciated by all
stakeholders at the SCO Heads of State Summit. It might establish confidence within international
community to resume the country’s aid. This is a very crucial time for Afghanistan and the deadlock
between Kabul and the west about the Taliban fulfilling their promises is not helping anyone. Especially
USA’s decision to freeze close to $10 billion of the Afghan central bank’s money has restricted the new
government’s ability to take care of its people. Pakistan’s position is that the aid must be resumed
immediately, so the country can avoid a catastrophe. This all hugely depends upon the Taliban showing
flexibility, forming an inclusive government, giving women their proper rights, etc. Unfortunately
Washington decided to delay aid to Afghanistan for as long as possible. After ruining the country for
past twenty years and leaving it in a far worse condition, the least US could have done was help with the
subsequent reconstruction. As things stand, the Afghan economy is shattered and there is a real
possibility of famines breaking out in parts of the large country. Pakistan is the most directly affected by
whatever happens across its western border, therefore it understands better than most countries how
to guarantee lasting peace in Afghanistan.