Political leadership urged to forge unity for stability

Islamabad: A representative gathering of Pakistan's government and opposition stalwarts was delivered a special message from Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz by his Intelligence Chief Prince Maqran Bin Abdul Aziz.

The Saudi King advised Pakistani leadership to end their differences at this critical juncture and focus on strengthening their defence and economy, an official said. This advice given by the Saudi Intelligence Chief is being seen as of crucial importance to Islamabad's diplomatic circles in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan's tribal areas and the Saudi efforts in helping Pakistan tackle the militants is being given special importance.

Perception

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as well as Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Imran Khan and Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan were there to listen to Prince Maqran and exchange views with him.

The Pakistani government and opposition leaders were briefed on the Saudi perception on security and stability of the sub-continent and its efforts to defuse tensions in the region, officials said.

The Saudi Intelligence Chief also called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani as well as held separate meetings with the PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Gilani, in his meeting with Prince Maqran, thanked the Saudi leadership for playing an important role in defusing tensions in the region.

Sharif said Saudi Arabia can play an important role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan and improve the situation in Pakistan's tribal region.

"The Saudi Intelligence Chief has extended the sentiments of brotherhood and sincerity," the PML-N leader told media.

Sharif said the Indian leadership should talk directly to Pakistan instead of hurling threats.

"Indians should hold talks with Pakistan and hold joint investigation into the Mumbai attacks with Pakistan," he added. Sharif as prime minister was the torch-bearer of peace with India in his second stint in power on 1997-99 after both countries carried out nuclear tests in 1998. And the then Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Pakistan's city Lahore by bus to sign the famous Lahore Declaration.