SRINAGAR, FEB 20: Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Talmiz Ahmad today said that India need to discuss the Kashmir issue with the Pakistani armed forces.
Talmiz Ahmad said, “A civilian government in Pakistan makes no difference. We need to discuss the Kashmir issue with the Pakistani armed forces. And we know that Saudi kingdom has good ties with the Pakistani armed forces”.
He further added that this is an important aspect which should be looked at. “We have to see how to go to the root cause, which is Pakistani armed forces’ affiliation with jihad as state policy. It is the source of insecurity and instability across the region”, he added.
The former ambassador was also of the view that it was time for both countries to work together in Afghanistan. “We have never partnered with Saudi in Afghanistan. Saudi is playing a very important back-channel role when it comes to Afghanistan. Indian authorities should set up an engagement platform with Saudi when it comes to Afghanistan. We have the same position — that we want a united Afghanistan that has at peace with itself and is poised for prosperity,” Ahmad elaborated.
“All visits are part of a process. This particular visit, if it is to have any value, should mark the beginning of India-Saudi collaboration in maintaining regional security and stability. It is something that we have not explored before. The process needs to start and the leadership should be convinced that this is something that needs to be explored,” Ahmad said. (PTK)