Islamabad - A number of leading former diplomats and analysts have termed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif to Saudi Arabia and Iran aimed at defusing the prevailing tension between the Muslim countries as a `bold initiative’ considering the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and the whole region.
Talking to APP here Sunday, they were of the opinion that Pakistan is being looked upon as the major Muslim country among the Muslim world with wider influence over the international and regional affairs. It has taken the much required step to reach out to the leadership of the two important Muslim countries and sort out their differences through dialogue and restraint, they added.
The whole nation and the Ummah have been praying for the success of such diplomacy, they said, expressing optimism that such a prudent step would be a harbinger of normalcy in the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Fauzia Nasreen, a former ambassador and diplomatic analyst, viewed the initiative as the positive one to defuse mounting tensions in the region, beset with already volatile situation of Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
She said that Pakistan’s timely step would go a long way in easing the tensions between both the countries. In the wider perspective, Pakistan might also involve other regional countries in future to achieve the objectives of stability in the entire region.
She noted that the visit also coincided with a visit by the Chinese President to Iran and together they could exercise greater influence to remove an atmosphere of tension looming over the region.
Rasool Bux Raees, a diplomatic expert and analyst, opined that Pakistan’s involvement on the broader perspective of the Arab Peninsula currently undergoing tensions and unrest would yield positive results.
Bringing about a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia would save the Muslim world from further reeling back into chaos and turmoil and contain the threats of terrorism being witnessed in certain countries of the region, he said. Raees said that it would be helpful in removing the differences among the Muslim countries.
Lt Gen (Retd) Talat Masood said that Pakistan took a right and correct position by assuming the reconciliatory role aimed at forging unity among the Muslim countries and removing the differences which could further create fissures among the Ummah.
“The timely step by the Prime Minister will bring about greater harmony and help in reducing the tensions. The unifying role by Pakistan is laudable considering the regional perspective,” he added.
Brig (Retd) Mahmood Shah, a security and defence analyst, said that it was expected that Pakistan could play a key role in bringing about normalcy in the ties between the two countries. “By doing so and taking the prompt initiative, Pakistan would be making a case for the Muslim unity and harmony,” he added.
Former Ambassador Masood Khan said that Pakistan had friendly ties with both countries. “It is, therefore, our responsibility to offer our good offices for mediation and conciliation.” He said that Pakistan would help them reach an understanding to de-escalate the situation and move towards normalisation.