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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif will be embarking on a visit to Saudi Arabia and Iran from Monday January 18 to defuse tension between the two countries that spiralled after the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.
Official sources confirmed that the top civilian and military leaders would pay a day-long visit to Saudia Arabia on 18th January to meet Saudi King Salman and will discuss with him the latest situation in the Middle East and the kingdom's relations with Iran.
The sources added that after the trip to Saudi Arabia, the next stopover will be in Tehran where meetings will be held with the top Iranian leadership aimed at defusing tension with its arch rival KSA.
Saudi Arabia and fellow-Sunni Bahrain cut ties with Iran, a few days days after Iranian demonstrators stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in protest at Riyadh's execution of prominent cleric Sheikh Nimr.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and some other states broke off ties with Iran over the attack. The United Arab Emirates downgraded relations while some others recalled their envoys in protest.
The Iranian government quickly distanced itself from the attack, saying the protesters had entered the Saudi embassy despite widespread efforts by the police to stop them.
Read: Defence minister’s Iran visit cancelled
Last week, Saudi Defence Minister Mohammad bin Salman visited Islamabad to discuss Saudi Arabia's military alliance against the self-styled Islamic State, and met with Army chief General Raheel Sharif who assured him of a “strong response” to threats to the kingdom’s territorial integrity without committing troops to the alliance.
Also read: S. Arabia assured of support
Read more
China's Xi Jinping to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran
The Saudi-Iran showdown
Going back in time: A look at long-fraught relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran
Saudi-Iran spat: Pakistan ‘ready to act as mediator’
Grave dangers face Muslim world in light of Saudi-Iran standoff: Sartaj
Opposition wants govt briefing on Iran-Saudi tussle
On DawnNews
Comments (129) Closed
Jan 16, 2016 05:12pm
Excellent decision!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:12pm
A very good news in many years. We pray that this effort bring peace not only for the two countries but for the region and the world.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:15pm
Excellent!!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:15pm
Need to be clever while dealing with both of these.........
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Jan 16, 2016 05:16pm
This news made my day!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:18pm
I hope that this very important visit will see the shine of success...Inshahallah
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Jan 16, 2016 05:21pm
Rather good approach
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Jan 16, 2016 05:23pm
So Gen Raheel is now doubling up as COAS, Advisor to PM and also Foreign Minister. When the civilian govt is inept, then army has to fill in the void even if they don't want to. And then when army exceeds this everyone starts shouting ... jamhooriat ko khatra.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:26pm
Pakistan is on the right track now!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:27pm
Pakistan being the most powerful country of Islamic world needs to grab bull by the horn and claim the leadership which came to us by default with our massive power through our nuclear power status. We could either sit on sides and let the enemies of Islam wreck havoc in muslim lands or do something about it. It seems "compulsive intervension" is needed on external affairs as well.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:27pm
Excellent!!!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:32pm
Pakistan should always play a constructive role than taking sides in Western inspired issues. In the last few centuries Iran has never invaded an Arab country why would it do now. Time to lower temperatures.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:33pm
That is a good move
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Jan 16, 2016 05:33pm
excellent news verry goode decision by Pakistan
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Jan 16, 2016 05:33pm
Good move.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:33pm
He is going there to protect his business interests first and formeost, just like in China before that. .
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Jan 16, 2016 05:34pm
Where is Pakistan's Foreign Minister?
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Jan 16, 2016 05:36pm
Excellent that General Raheel Sharif is also accompanying the PM Nawaz Sharif. Like this it makes sense.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:37pm
Shabash Pakistan. Take the lead and bring peace in the entire region.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:39pm
We can not pick sides neither can we turn a deaf ear to the grave situation so the only remaining option is to act as some sort of mediator to de-escalate the tensions between the two countries. This is all we can do.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:39pm
Great display of civilian-military harmony. That said it highly unlikely Iranian leaders would pay heed to our advice. With $100 of frozen funds being made available for its military machine in the next few days the last thing on Iran's mind would to make peace with its neighbours.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:43pm
Some how I am liking PM Nawaz Sharif diplomacy these days. Experiences make person learn many things.
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Jan 16, 2016 05:48pm
excellent
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Jan 16, 2016 05:50pm
Wonderful decision.
May God bless Pakistan...
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Jan 16, 2016 05:56pm
Pakistan acting as regional power ....in cold war defeat of soviets , now afghan peace process and now this believe it or not with right leadership and economy who knows we can be next global power .....to my neighbors who are going to mock my comment I urge you to see the facts the things mentioned up there are facts not made up by me
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Jan 16, 2016 05:58pm
Well DONE!
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Jan 16, 2016 05:59pm
Excellent, NS will be a world class leader.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:00pm
A very very very good decision. Pakistan and its leadership can excel in World if they succeed in defusing tension. Bravo!
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Jan 16, 2016 06:01pm
@Adnan Aziz he is accompanying the COAS as PM.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:01pm
it is slap on faces of those who said Pakistan will face instability in future. In future Pakistan will at a position where he play major rules in world. Pakistan will solve the issues of other countries. It will happen when every institute of Govt. will work under Govt.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:09pm
@Taimoor Khan "Pakistan being the most powerful country of Islamic world"
I appreciate your enthusiasm but Pakistan is NOT the most powerful country in the Islamic world. Yes Pakistan has very strong and disciplined army and has nukes BUT this does not mean powerful in every sense. In economy, health and education we are probably at the bottom.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:10pm
It is important that Army Chiefs in particular and other functionaries walk BEHIND a PM not shoulder to shoulder.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:15pm
A very wise, collective move to diffuse war overtures by brotherly Muslim states!
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Jan 16, 2016 06:19pm
It is worth the try we can only wish them good luck.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:19pm
Positive and constructive decision. If they would be able to convince arrogant Saudis.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:23pm
Good Luck!
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Jan 16, 2016 06:25pm
@lafanga Excellent comment, couldn't have said it better....
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Jan 16, 2016 06:25pm
Chinese president already annouce there vsit.Pakistan annouce now,little late but very right deceision.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:28pm
Was PK govt elected to spend 100% off efforts appeasing Saudis? Seems like there only concern is to go to Saudia numerous times and granting illegal hunting permits.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:31pm
This is first remarkable news I have heard in decades. Pakistan has a lot of potential and resources to play the role of a peace maker and mediator. We cannot take sides in regional conflicts, that will serve no purpose to anyone. World is in the grip of terrorism and we cannot afford new wars to start in our neighborhood. Hopefully, both countries will listen to Pakistani leadership's views.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:31pm
PM, army chief to visit Saudi Arabia, Iran to ease tension...where eagles dares. Where American diplomacy fails...pakitan diplomacy succeeds. Are we realy fools..it is not to ease the tendion but to reinforce our comittment..if we are champion problem solver..let us solve our problem first
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Jan 16, 2016 06:36pm
@Lafanga - Well said...(both comments).
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Jan 16, 2016 06:36pm
Good initiative from Pakistan. But I suspect the sincerity of the Saudis.
When the sanctions are lifted against Iran next week, the Iranian oil flow will put further pressure on crude prices., which are already below $29 a barrel and many predict it could hit as low as $10 a barrel. That is definitely hurt the Saudis and other gulf states...Hence their motivation to create tensions.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:39pm
Excellent effort..... Good job....save muslim world.... save innocent people... our brothers wake...
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Jan 16, 2016 06:41pm
.... and discuss Pakistan's relations with the KSA. Pakistan has little relationship with Iran thus far. The Iranians will be the biggest winners.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:41pm
@Khanm - On your "champion problem solver" jibe, every country has one "problem" or the other, so that doesn't mean we cannot act as a facilitator between the two countries.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:46pm
Wonder what Obama thinking now with his recent utterance
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Jan 16, 2016 06:47pm
Bravo PM & Army Chief.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:48pm
That's what Pakistani nation wanted and we all appreciate your decision.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:50pm
@Navigator you may think that.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:50pm
I bet Pakistan effort will be a failure.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:58pm
@M. Siddique
Its not about Iran invading KSA or an arab country. Iran can play a spoiler by funding proxy wars as it is doing in Yemen (Saudi Arabia's backyard) or in Syria.
So you have to look at both sides of the situation. I think both of these countries (KSA and Iran) have legitimate grievances against each other but Pakistan must push and use its good offices to mend the divide.
This conflict is the single biggest and most damaging threat to the Muslims of the region. They must be inspired by Pakistan to make peace no matter what it takes. Otherwise we will see more bloodshed in the Muslim world, but this time along ugly sectarian lines, which must be avoided at all cost.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:08pm
Good to know!
In Fact! To diffuse the Currently prevailed tension between two Muslim States Pakistan, Being the only Muslim country owing Nuclear Power, Can play a role to bring said countries together and to create an amiable and amicable relationships between both. Pakistan should Break the ice now so that there 'll happen mishaps in future as they already happened enough just because of some pertinacious and touchy statesmen who bespoke to prefer their loaves and fishes rather than entire Muslim nation.. It's time to forget the differences and to hug each other to create unity in our ranks else we wouldn't be able to overhaul the battles we, Muslims, are confronting now and 'll be confronting..
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Jan 16, 2016 07:13pm
This is what Pakistan should be. Good decision.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:20pm
Makes no sense already strained relationship. This is just painting on broken walls.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:20pm
Mediation is successful if both parties invite you to mediate. That's not the case here. You can't volunteer to mediate.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:21pm
awesome
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Jan 16, 2016 07:21pm
awesome, this is great
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Jan 16, 2016 07:31pm
Late but great initiative in order to diffuse the tension between two Islamic countries.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:35pm
In new world order, 3 countries were mentioned to be leaders that were to lead Muslim ummah. Pakistan is one of them. There other two supposed to be Turkey and Iran but both have very limited vision and got trapped into game played by western world.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:37pm
EXCELLENT
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Jan 16, 2016 07:38pm
Have the Saudis or Iranians ever helped Pakistan with their dispute with India ?
I hope there is a peaceful outcome and Saudi and Iranians can be friends.
But at the moment Pakistan has many issues to sort out at home and the PM should be concentrating on Pakistan first.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:40pm
Very Very Gooood Decicion.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:44pm
Pakistan with nuclear weapons is the most powerful Muslim country in the world. With it comes extraordinary responsibility to lead the Muslim world for regional and world peace. Pakistan stands for friendship with all. This has been hampered, as we did not have a full-time Foreign Minister for last three years?
PM Nawaz Sharif's sincerity and patriotism is exemplary, but his paralysis in decision making is a disaster, as opportunities are lost which harms the national interest. We respect both Saudi Arabia and Iran and want to help resolve their differences. This is vital test for PM Nawaz Sharif's diplomacy for world peace.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:46pm
Very good gesture! Because no need to add more enemy by being perceived as taking anyone's side. But it is also unnecessary to go too much in such bilateral affairs, backlash does occur sometimes.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:48pm
Our beloved leaders are proving that unity,faith and descipline is their motto.Only these leaders are costly asset of Muslim world.May they live long and succeed in every field.They are trying to unite Muslims of the world other wise scattered Umah shall be defeated in every field.
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Jan 16, 2016 07:49pm
Excellent
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Jan 16, 2016 07:53pm
Pakistan attempt to unite saudi and Iran can have long run benefits for whole ummah
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Jan 16, 2016 07:56pm
A friend from Nepal , wish you all the best and hope such daring and beauty full act will always be done by you (Nawaj Sharif) sir Respect !!!!!!!!!!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:04pm
Finally Pakistan seems to be on the right track!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:07pm
A very good decision .. I pary that this effort bring stability in relationship of iran- ksa
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Jan 16, 2016 08:25pm
Excellent. Both Iran & S.A are our brotherly countries we must contribute to ease tension. Good luck to GoP.
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Jan 16, 2016 08:44pm
WELL Done!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:49pm
God only knows the agenda of discussions!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:55pm
An excellent gesture...!!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:57pm
Sounds interesting. Looking forward to it!
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Jan 16, 2016 08:57pm
Time to import gas from Iran and serve the Pakistani people.
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Jan 16, 2016 08:57pm
Best thing for Pakistan is these two Sharif's
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Jan 16, 2016 09:12pm
Rivalry for last hundreds of years is not going to be easy to contain with Pakistan's effort.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:14pm
PM Nawaz is rightfully doing the role of a nuclear powered country. Great. Hope he succeeds in convincing both the countries.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:18pm
a very good intiative indeed.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:23pm
The mediation by Pakistan may or may not be successful. But, Pakistan is making a point that Islamic nations don't have to side with either SA or Iran they can work for reducing tensions. Who knows more may join Pakistan in it's efforts. I think it is a very good move by Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:44pm
Mature decision. Welldone
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Jan 16, 2016 09:47pm
Great News
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Jan 16, 2016 09:48pm
Due to its geopolitical and geostrategic weight, Pakistan is the only country in the OIC that has the needed clout to contact Iran and SA physically to bring them to the negociating table to resolve their differences that are creating serious problems in the muslim world and beyond.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:49pm
In the first place Saudi Arabia should not have asked Pakistan to join the military alliance to fight Iran. It should have behaved like a big brother. Nawaz Sharif and Gen Raheel Sharif instead of fuelling the issue have exhibited great wisdom to avert the volatile situation.
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Jan 16, 2016 09:55pm
Good decision!!
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Jan 16, 2016 09:59pm
Absolutely necessary move in the right direction. Pakistan is following a very sensible course in its foreign policy in regard to regional situation concerning two brotherly Muslim countries.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:00pm
Haha Pakistan deciding to be a tennis ball between two eccentric states. Would be much better to leave them at their own and protect your borders.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:12pm
best news
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Jan 16, 2016 10:16pm
@Khanm ..U are great, both Shareef will listen from both country, go back and solve your own problems ( tension ) with India, Afghanistan and BD.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:20pm
@SFA "the next few days the last thing on Iran's mind would to make peace with its neighbours." Your apprehension is not so ill founded as it must be really very difficult for Iran to bring about any fruitful peace negotiations with Saudi Arabia-a country that has openly attacked its longtime friend and ally Yemen and is busy bombarding her unarmed civil population for the last more than one year and at the same time Saudi Arabia has been busy dislodging the government of Syria through its proxy war conducted by ISIL. But lets have faith in the great initiative taken by Pakistan to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia and I'm very hopeful Sharif & Sharif shall meet success in their well intended efforts for peace in the region.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:27pm
Excellent decision, but long overdue!
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Jan 16, 2016 10:37pm
Nawaz and Modi, should have done this together. Raheel Sharif and Rizwan Akhter should be the back up candidates in this neighborly conflict matter.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:49pm
Simply great. This is what a responsible country like Pakistan should do. Wonderful military & civilian combined action for the betterment of Muslim countries.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:55pm
@lafanga :"
@Taimoor Khan "Pakistan being the most powerful country of Islamic world"
I appreciate your enthusiasm but Pakistan is NOT the most powerful country in the Islamic world. Yes Pakistan has very strong and disciplined army and has nukes BUT this does not mean powerful in every sense. In economy, health and education we are probably at the bottom."
Most important, our Political leadership stinks!
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Jan 16, 2016 10:58pm
Good for Pakistan! Atlast they are getting their foriegn policies in order.
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Jan 16, 2016 11:10pm
An attempt in futile and wastage of time, money and huge resources.
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Jan 16, 2016 11:37pm
One of the (most) very WISE decision by Pakistan.
No need to be clever - just be SINCERE.
We are trying to save MUSLIMS.
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Jan 16, 2016 11:44pm
In case the this mission fails then what will be the impact on Pakistan? Will Pakistan have to take sides?
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Jan 16, 2016 11:45pm
Best duo in Pak's history!!!! Feeling proud to be a Pakisrani. Pakistan Zindabad.
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Jan 16, 2016 11:46pm
Long awaited news
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Jan 16, 2016 11:48pm
now thats what im talking about..be the bridge between saudi and iran!
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Jan 16, 2016 11:49pm
An extremely weird move indeed to diffuse tension between Pakistan's benefactor- Saudi Arabia- and Iran. As to why the chief of army accompanies the prime minister on this trip, is a one million dollar question.
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Jan 16, 2016 11:50pm
A wise decision. Good job!
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Jan 17, 2016 12:00am
@M. Siddique really,then why dead Iranian Generals being found in Syria,dead soldiers in Iraq,were their dead bodies just transported out of heavens and ended up in those countries
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Jan 17, 2016 12:03am
I am really sick of this. Why do we Pakistanis feel so compelled in interfering in other countries' issues? Whether Afghanistan,Bapngladesh, India, Egypt, Saudi, Iran,,, we have a disease to jump into the swimming pool whether invited or not. Can we forget other countries' problems and just focus on internal issues?
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Jan 17, 2016 12:10am
What a great and an outstanding move by Pakistani government. When these two Sharifs, PM Nawaz and General Raheel go somewhere together on a special task you can bet 100% solid results, this is what a nuclear power suppose to do. Good luck and hope Iran and KSA stop this nonsense.
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Jan 17, 2016 12:11am
Feeling proud to be a Pakistani!!! Salute to both sharifs
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Jan 17, 2016 12:19am
This is great particularly because the two Pakistani leaders will be visiting Iran first.
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Jan 17, 2016 12:21am
Shareef plus Shareef. They are going to Saudi Arabia and Iran to play their due role in lessening the tension between the two Muslim brother countries. Pakistan is friendly to both Saudia and Iran and therefore it is quite but natural that Pakistan must play its due role at this point of time. PM in particular and Army Chief in general must be praised for the efforts they are to put in to defuse war like situation. However, it is very much expected from the pair that both of them shall be very judicious in their approach with no tilting either to right or to left when engaged in talks with Saudia and Iran so that their neutrality is not be challenged to any extent otherwise the very purpose of reconciliation is defeated. I conclude saying that ever since luckily our both dignitaries are officially named as ‘Shareef’ so the question that at some point of view they may turn as ‘Shareer’ simply does not arise at all come what may. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidi.x.diplomat@hotmail.com
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Jan 17, 2016 12:27am
Pakistan is the regional power and should take responsibility for peace in the region . finally the PM has realised it and is taking this noble step. Mind you Imran khan was saying this right from the start.
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Jan 17, 2016 12:33am
First time I like Nawaz's decision .
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Jan 17, 2016 12:36am
While Pakistan races ahead in status and economy, the eastern neighbour still stuck in illegal occupations, flouting UN resolutions, and living in pretence. Irrelevant in important matters of the region.left out.
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Jan 17, 2016 12:53am
Best ever foreign policy initiative by this government. Just imagine if Pakistan were to succeed in bringing these important Muslim countries to the negotiation table or even if stop the schism getting any worst it could give Pakistan many Kudos in the Muslim world.
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Jan 17, 2016 01:01am
One of the best decision, Showing leadership and very visionary by the team Pakistan
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Jan 17, 2016 01:05am
Let them sort their own issues out as we have been long enough a stage for their proxy wars. Iran is soon be a regional power and these Arabs need to realize that their petro evil dollars are now running out and they are grown ups and need to deal with their internal issues them self. It's is time that democratic government should be placed just like Europe, they must end this monarchy's system and stop enslaving poor muslims. Also Pakistan should get all their rented soldiers & pilots back too.
We should make highest priority to better our relationship with India, Afghanistan & Iran not with these useless arabs who chops Pakistani heads every day without even giving them fair trials. China & US should be our allies not these idiotic arabs.
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Jan 17, 2016 02:28am
PM Nawaz Shariff should with him a person who has expertise in the foreign affairs and not an army general.
Remember the wise old man Winston Churchill who said even the war is to important to be left to the generals. Here PM Shariff is depending upon a general to assist him in an foreign affair.
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Jan 17, 2016 03:09am
Excellent decission by Pakistan Government and the Army. This is what we expect from them. In fact Both Saudi Arabia snd Iran are very important to us. Under the circumstances, Pakistan is the only country
on the globe capable of bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran on the peace negotiating table. Pakistan Zindabad
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Jan 17, 2016 03:31am
@Khanm - Very well said. I agreed.
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Jan 17, 2016 03:37am
Right action, Pakistan must stay as mediator instead of getting hostile against any party, it will not bring any good for our country. It is more important to clean up all terrorists no matter who they are and which sect they belong from our soil.
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Jan 17, 2016 03:56am
very good and sensible but need to be result oriented.
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Jan 17, 2016 05:53am
This move is only for domestic consumption, whereas after having joined the 34-nation Saudi Arabia-led coal ion, it will not yield the outcome which Pakistan purports to achieve.
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Jan 17, 2016 06:18am
This is the beginning of pride Pakistan nation to be playing crucial role in the OIC Countries, we're sole nuclear power in Islamic world. PM Nawaz Sharif and Gen-Raheel, your joint visit to KSA and Iran will prove to be historical. Bless Y'all.
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Jan 17, 2016 06:41am
Simply excellent!
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Jan 17, 2016 07:27am
Why don't they do things first and then announce results.
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Jan 17, 2016 07:46am
@Ali You can't rely on weapons that have never been tested in actual situation. Nuclear weapons don't make you powerful but accelerate your own destruction.
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Jan 17, 2016 10:05am
Polarize at your own peril!
Saudi/Iran sectarian conflict could potentially divide families, communities, and the nations. Both countries are on their bad behavior and they have been waging proxy sectarian wars for decades in our backyards. Use of their religious faith as a brand serves them well in advancing their national political, economic, and business interests.
Faith is about believing in something as truth without a proof. When it comes to faith, the evidence has no place in an argument. Why to fight on matters of our unsubstantiated individual assumptions and perceptions? Yet Pakistanis will be forced into sectarian conflicts by agents of discord.
All merchants of religion will prey on people's emotions. Pakistan could either remove itself from this catastrophic conflict or become a collateral casualty.
Remember, it is always within your power not to enter this brand war. If you decide to go this route, it will be at your own peril.
Iqbal Tareen
Virginia, USA
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Jan 17, 2016 02:26pm
There war will have implications for Pakistan. Take this effort as Pakistan's national interest.
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