Pakistan envoy calls on PM to update security situation

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Pakistan High Commissioner Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat 

High Commissioner of Pakistan, Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on 12 March and briefed him on the regional security situation following the Pulwama incident.

The High Commissioner apprised the Prime Minister about Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in the region and resolution of all issues through meaningful negotiations and dialogue. He also underlined Pakistan’s resolve to protect its territory against any external aggression.

Dr. Hashmat, while highlighting the repeated overtures by the Prime Minister of Pakistan to de-escalate tensions across the Line of Control, emphasised that Pakistan would encourage the international community’s support for dialogue between India and Pakistan for peaceful resolution of all disputes, including the Kashmir issue.

Wickremesinghe, while acknowledging Pakistan’s perspective, stated that Sri Lanka is closely observing the developing situation between India and Pakistan. He emphasised that the security tensions between the countries should not be escalated. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that both countries will resolve all issues through meaningful deliberations, which will promote peace and stability in the region. 

He appreciated the role of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and underscored that Prime Minister Khan has demonstrated prudence and statesmanship under a stressful situation.