Parliament’s resolution on Yemen in accordance with govt’s policy: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated his stance to resolve the Yemen crisis through dialogue.

Delivering a key statement regarding Pakistan's stance on Yemen issue this evening, the PM said Parliament’s resolution on Yemen is in accordance with the government’s policy.

Read full text of Prime Minister's address here

The Prime Minister said any threat to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

PM Nawaz further said Pakistan will continue to pursue the policy of friendly ties with GCC countries.

He added that there were various rumours being spread in the media which were creating misconceptions with regards to Pakistan’s strong ties with its Arab brethren.

“Pakistan has not responded to speculations because we believe that public comments would be counter-productive.”

He reaffirmed Pakistan's long term commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, and said that its stability is the main pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

PM Nawaz went on to say that Pakistan does not abandon friends and strategic partners especially at a time when their security is under threat.

He said Saudi Arabia is one of the most important strategic allies of Pakistan.

He also added that Pakistan attaches importance to the sanctity of the two holy mosques and full support to their custodian.

He went on to say that Pakistan strongly condemns actions of Houthi rebels and other non-state actors to overthrow the legitimate government of Yemen and expresses serious concern at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

“There is urgency of finding a peaceful solution to the crisis through dialogue among warring factions.”

He further said assurances to Saudi Arabia have been given despite massive commitments of Pakistan’s armed forces in the on-going operation Zarb-e-Azb. “Hundreds of our brave soldiers and security personnel have laid down their lives in the war against terror.”

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has already intensified contacts with Saudi Arabia to monitor the ground situation and possible threats to the security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

He said “we believe that restoration of President Hadi's government will be an important step forward towards establishing peace in Yemen.”

He also said that he conveyed to the Iranian Foreign Minister during his recent visit to Pakistan that violent overthrow of the legitimate government of Yemen had set a dangerous precedent that was fraught with serious risks for the entire region.

He added that he urged Iran should use its influence to bring Houthi rebels to the negotiating table.

The Prime Minister also announced that Pakistan would intensify its diplomatic efforts in the coming days in consultations with leadership of Saudi Arabia to resolve the Yemen crisis.

Earlier today, the PM House spokesman said the PM's important statement was to be broadcast on PTV at 6:30PM and would inform the nation on the situation unfolding in Yemen and Pakistan’s response to Saudi Arabia’s request of military intervention.

PM chairs high-level meeting with civil, military leaders

Hours before issuing the statement, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a key meeting with civil and military leaders.

The high-level meeting at the PM House in Islamabad was also attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, PM’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary, and others.

Sources said the meeting was called to review the situation in the Middle East with emphasis on Yemen and Saudi Arabia’s request for military assistance, following a joint Parliamentary resolution calling for Pakistan to remain neutral in the Yemen conflict.

The resolution, which was passed on April 10 following five days of debate in the joint session, states that Pakistan will not become a party in the Yemen crisis. However, Pakistan will come to Saudi Arabia’s defence if the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.

The resolution also urges Pakistan to play its diplomatic roles in resolving the crisis, while also calling for the country not to take sides and stay neutral in the conflict.

The resolution also calls for urging the United Nations Security Council and the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to bring a ceasefire among warring factions in war-torn Yemen.

The joint sitting of Parliament was called after Saudi-led coalition forces launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia asked long-time ally Pakistan for military assistance in the operation.

Also read: Saudi Arabia seeks jets, ships, troops from Pakistan

The resolution noted that the war in Yemen “is not sectarian in nature but has the potential of turning into a sectarian conflict which will have a critical fallout in the region including Pakistan.”

Expressing serious concerns on the deteriorating security situation in Yemen and its implications, Parliament called upon “warring factions in Yemen to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue”.

The resolution also noted that the crisis in Yemen “could plunge the entire region into turmoil”.

Calling for further efforts to promote unity among Muslim countries, the resolution urged Pakistan to “maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict so as to be able play a diplomatic role to end the crisis.”

In the case of “any violation of Saudi Arabia’s territorial sovereignty and any threat to Harmain Shareefain, Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Sarabia and its people,” it said.

Expressing “deep concern at the increasing threat posed by terrorists and non-state actors”, the resolution urged the government of Pakistan to initiate steps through the United Nations Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to bring about a ceasefire in Yemen.

Saudi adviser terms mediation talk a joke

The Saudi Chief Adviser for Religious Affairs, Dr Abdul Aziz said on Sunday that the Pakistani nation wants to support Saudi Arabia with regards to the Yemen conflict.

In an exclusive interview with Saleem Safi on Geo News programme Jirga, Dr Aziz went on to say that on one hand there are the rebels in Yemen and on the other there is a legal government.

He added that in such a situation talking about mediation is tantamount to a joke.

He said the statement of a UAE minister is nothing more than a plain complaint and also termed it the UAE’s own stance. “Only someone who loves you will also sometimes get angry with you,” he added.

Saudi Arabia, he said, will stand by the oppressed and do its best to stop the oppressor.

Saudi minister terms Pakistan resolution its internal matter

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Sunday termed the resolution passed by Pakistan Parliament in connection with the Saudi Arabia’s call for help as its internal matter.

“Saudi Arabia has strong religious, economic and military ties and we expect an encouraging response from Pakistan,” said the Saudi minister while talking to the media upon his arrival here at Islamabad airport.

The visiting Saudi minister is set to have a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Yousuf.

He said the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be cemented even further in the coming days.