Saudi defence minister arrives in Islamabad for anti-terror talks

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Muhammad Bin Salman arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to push Pakistan for joining a recently launched Islamic military alliance.

Prince Muhammad visits Pakistan just days after the Saudi foreign minister paid official visit to the country.

A spokesman for the defence ministry said that the Saudi defence minister will hold official talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif on matters of bilateral interest and the regional situation.

He is scheduled to call on the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.

Sources said that Saudi leaders are seeking Pakistan to join the alliance of over 30 Muslim nations against terrorism.

Pakistani officials said the country will decide about participation in the Saudi-led military coalition after getting more details.

Both countries are close allies and support each other at international level.

The visit comes at a time when tensions are high between Saudi Arab and Iran following attack on Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Pakistani parliament debated the Saudi-Iran tensions and the MPs urged the gov't to remain impartial in the conflict and play role to reduce tensions. Enditem