Saudi-Iran war would be disastrous for Pakistan: PM Imran Khan.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that a military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be disastrous for Pakistan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is trying its best to make sure that ties between these two countries do not deteriorate as the region that cannot afford another conflict.

In an exclusive interview with DW Editor-in-Chief Ines Pohl, the prime minister talked about the Iran crisis and the international community s "lukewarm" response to the Kashmir dispute.

PM Imran Khan said that it s true that we live in a difficult neighborhood and we have to balance our actions. For instance, Saudi Arabia is one of Pakistan's greatest friends and has always been there for us. Then we have Iran, with which we have always maintained a good relationship. Therefore, a military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be disastrous for Pakistan. We are trying our best to make sure that ties between these two countries do not deteriorate. It is a region that cannot afford another conflict.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kashmiris should be free to decide their fate, and not forced into the decision.

Discussing the illegal unilateral annexation of Kashmir at the hands of India, the prime minister said: 'Let the people of Kashmir decide what they want. Pakistan is ready for a referendum or a plebiscite.'

The interviewer asks the prime minister about claims of human rights violations in Azad Kashmir which is currently under Pakistan's administration and how does he compare the two disputed territories and situation of their respective residents.

Prime Minister Imran Khan replied: 'Well, it's very easy to find out. We invite anyone from anywhere in the world to visit the Pakistan side of Kashmir and then go to the Indian side. Let them decide.'

'Azad Kashmir holds free and fair elections and it elects its own government. Like any other administration, they have their problems. But as I said, let us invite observers from all over the world. I assure you that they can go to the Pakistan side of Kashmir but won't be allowed on the Indian side.'

Imran Khan emphasised that he had extended an olive branch to the Indian government on multiple occasions but the radical ideology of its current ruling class has been and can become a further detriment to regional peace and security.

'I was the first leader to warn the world about what is happening in India. India has been taken over by an extremist ideology...