Pakistan’s Catch-22

This refers to the news report, ‘Pakistan to defend Saudi Arabia’ (March 27). According to the report, Pakistan is all set to join the military operation against rebels in Yemen. We will suffer its consequences for a long time to come. The decision to take part in the operation in Yemen will deepen the sectarian rift in the country. In addition, we are in the middle of a war. Our forces are fighting terrorists. In such circumstances, sending our troops to a foreign country will not be an easy task.
The other aspect is that if Pakistan rejects Saudi Arabia’s request and does not join the Arab alliance then the resulting consequences will not be favourable either. Pakistan’s financial interests are linked with the Arab world. They not only provide us aid but millions of Pakistanis are residing and working in the Gulf. It is a Catch-22 situation for Pakistan. Therefore the government should take parliament’s approval before making any decision. The best course for Pakistan is to play the role as mediator between Iran and Saudi Arabia because both countries are important for us.
Asim Iqbal
Rawalpindi