Pakistan discussed the situation in Kashmir with visiting foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, amidst tensions with India after the abrogation of Article 370. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan requested both the countries to take a 'clear and unequivocal' stand on the issue.
In a rare move, the two Arab diplomats - Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared the aircraft on way to Islamabad.
Pakistani authorities said this was a symbolic show of unity.
The two diplomats held parleys with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who said that the visit was followed by appeals from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. They also met Khan and the Pakistan's Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Islamabad briefed the two ministers in detail on Pakistan's concerns over alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.
In an official briefing, Pakistan said that at the centre of the talk was the Kashmir issue, which was discussed at length.
According to reports, the main objective of the Saudi Arabia and UAE ministers' visit to Islamabad was to cool down the temper in Pakistan which has been alleging non-cooperation from the Islamic nations on the issue of Kashmir.
A statement released after the meetings said Saudi Arabia and the UAE "would remain engaged to help address the current challenges, defuse tensions, and promote an environment of peace and security in the region."
( With inputs from IANS )