A day after the historic defeat to the Indian cricket team in Dubai, Prime Minister Imran Khan has mocked New Delhi while discussing the economic benefits of improving ties with India by resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
“I know after last night thrashing by the Pakistan team in the cricket match it’s not a very good time to talk about improving relations with India,” the premier said on Monday while referring to Green Shirts' historic win against India in the T20 World Cup.
The prime minister was addressing the Saudi-Pak Investment Forum organised in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Investment in Riyadh.The Investment Forum was attended by senior representatives of the leading Saudi companies and entrepreneurs as well as Pakistani businessmen.
PM Imran said Pakistan’s strategic location having two biggest markets in the neighbourhood and connectivity with Central Asia through Afghanistan provided a real opportunity to investors to take benefit.PM Imran said if Islamabad and New Delhi resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with the UN resolutions both the nations can reap economic benefits of enhanced regional connectivity.
“There is only one issue between us that is the issue of Kashmir... if that right given to them [Kashmiris] we have no other problem and can live like civilised neighbours,” he added.
In the same address, the premier urged the Saudi companies and entrepreneurs to benefit from Pakistan’s strategic location as well as huge investment potential in diverse areas of economy including housing and construction for mutual benefit.
He particularly mentioned the mega development projects of Ravi City and Central Business District in Lahore and said it is the right time for Saudi investors to benefit from these projects.
The prime minister while highlighting the close and historic ties between the two brotherly nations said that Pakistan-Saudi relations transcend all other ties due to people to people contacts. “Whichever government comes to power in Pakistan, it does not affect Pakistan-Saudi relations.”
PM Imran also said Islamabad and Riyadh always stood by each other in hard times. “As human beings, we don’t remember those who were with you in good times but those who stood by you in bad times.”
Reiterating his country’s commitment to the territorial integrity of the kingdom, Premier Imran said that whenever there is any security threat, Pakistan will stand by Saudi Arabia and ensure its security.
