Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday proposed Saudi Arabia as a possible neutral venue for future talks between Pakistan and India, expressing hope for a thaw in relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Speaking to a group of TV anchors at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier said that issues such as Kashmir, water disputes, trade, and terrorism would be central to any prospective dialogue. He ruled out China as a venue, stating that India would never accept Beijing as a neutral host.
However, he added, Saudi Arabia may serve as a mutually acceptable location for the talks. “Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism will be the key points during Pakistan-India talks,” he reiterated when asked about diverging priorities between the two countries.
PM Shehbaz also noted that communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries had helped ease bilateral tensions. He said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser would lead Islamabad’s side if formal talks are held.
COAS Elevated to Field Marshal After Consultation with Nawaz Sharif
Responding to questions about the elevation of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, the premier clarified that the decision was his own but taken after consultation with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif.
“It was my decision to make the army chief a field marshal,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that Nawaz Sharif was taken into confidence beforehand. He also dispelled concerns about policy differences, saying, “I always consult Nawaz Sharif before making any major decision.”
Federal Support for KP in Fight Against Terrorism
On the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the premier said the federal government had already extended full cooperation to the provincial government in its counter-terrorism efforts, including the release of over Rs600 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme.
Boosting Low-Cost Housing
Separately, during a high-level meeting on low-cost housing, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of affordable housing schemes to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
He directed the housing task force—working with the Ministry of Finance and the banking sector—to submit proposals for housing finance to be included in the upcoming federal budget.
“The sustainable growth of our economy is closely linked to the development of the construction sector,” he said.
The meeting was informed that key legislative reforms, including the Condominium Act 2025 and amendments to the Foreclosure Law, were nearing finalization. Once enacted, these measures will make it easier for citizens to secure housing loans and take ownership of residential units.
Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with the FBR chairman and senior officials, attended the session.
