PM, Saudi Foreign Minister discuss bilateral relations, regional development.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday stressed that the international community had to play its role in ensuring respect for rights and freedoms of Kashmiri people, facilitate a just solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and take steps for the protection of minorities in India.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, who called on him here.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on bilateral relations as well as regional developments, a press release issued by the PM Media Office said.

The prime minister highlighted in detail worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).

He also highlighted India's discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and underscored that the Indian government was engaged in systematic efforts to marginalize and disenfranchise minorities, particularly Muslims.

In addition, India's belligerent actions on the Line of Control (LoC) were stoking further tensions and imperiling regional peace and security, he added.

While welcoming the Saudi foreign minister, the prime minister underlined the special significance of the Pak-Saudi relationship --based on close fraternal ties, historic links, and support at the grassroots level.

He recalled the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan in February 2019, and the depth and substance that it imparted to bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

The prime minister appreciated the growing economic ties between the two countries and the Saudi commitment for investment in various sectors, particularly petrochemicals, mining and renewable energy.

He expressed the hope that the Saudi team will visit Pakistan...