Pakistan

Nawaz has ensured 'all potentials of Pakistan Army' to Kingdom: Saudi press agency

King Salman Abdulaziz telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday, reviewed bilateral relations

Web Desk March 28, 2015

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: PID

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ensured full support to Saudi Arabia, stressing that "all potentials of the Pakistan Army are offered to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

King Salman Abdul Aziz telephoned the prime minister on Saturday, and both leaders reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries, and developments on regional and international arenas, the press agency stated.

Read: Any threat to Saudi's territorial integrity will evoke strong response from Pakistan: Nawaz

King Salman went on to thanks Prime Minister Nawaz for Pakistan’s support.

Elaborating on the telephonic contact between King Salman and the prime minister, Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Chaudhry in a press briefing said PM Nawaz reiterated that Pakistan attached utmost importance to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, as two of the most sacred monuments of Islam and the Muslim world were present in the Kingdom.

“Any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity is a matter of concern for Pakistan,” he said.

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He added that a government delegation will leave for Saudi Arabia in the next 24-48 hours to discuss further developments on the issue.

“Both the countries have supported each other during crises…,” he said. “…Any decision would be made by taking the masses into confidence.”

Earlier, amid reports that Pakistan was all set to join the fight against Huthi rebels in Yemen, Prime Minister Nawaz had said any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity would evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

Read: Saudi Arabia launches strikes against Huthi rebels in Yemen

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday had said Pakistan had made no decision to participate in the Yemen conflict, but would defend Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity at all costs.

Read: Not participating in Yemen war but will defend Saudi territorial integrity: Asif

COMMENTS (68)

Talha Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply There is a security protocol between Pakistan and KSA passed in 1982 From Pakistani Parliament, which says Pakistan will defend KSA in case of any attack. That is why current government don't need any approval from assembly.

Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply Saudi Arabia has attacked Yemen without provocation and instead of siding with the oppressed Nawaz Sharif is siding with the Oppressor. Taking the country to war in which Pakistan has no concern is purely based on returning favor to his Saudi hosts when he was in exile. If he is so much determined to return the favor then he should literally join the war in his personal capacity and ensure his presence in the front line.

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Rex Major | 9 years ago | Reply Rex Minor: "Pakistan has a defense agreement and this is what the Prime Minister of Pakistan should tell its people. Your General Sharif will be court martialed if he does not adhere to the defense pact." If the pact is between two nations- Pakistan and KSA. What does it have to do with General R. Sharif? It is only the Pakistani Army which could court martial him and that too for stipulated wrong actions and misdemeanour. Could you please elaborate on why the defense pact would in any way reflect on General Sharif? That you feel so or that you would like it to be so cannot be the reason.

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply @Noor.M.Chaudhry (Ex.P.OW1971): The House of Saud does not interfere in the domestic policies of other mslim countries , but does offer asylum to muslim dictators whenever they need it. Pakistan has been ruled by several military lunatics because neither Indians nor Pakistanis have come to terms with the independence which was given them by the colonial masters. They have the armies which are larger in size and occupy a privileaged place in the community whereas its civilians are treated as 2nd class citizens. Being an ex pow is not a deed that you should be proud of Sir!!! Rex Minor

iMTIAZ | 9 years ago | Reply It is interesting to see how a country which could not defend itlsef can protect others. Pakistan is a war-torn country as everyday it's air force bombed the rebels and every sqm is occupied by home grown terrorist who is challenging law of land.

terba | 9 years ago | Reply @Shaikh "Pakistan has less than 20% shias and therefore defending the cause of sunnis is our responsibility": This is utter rubbish and a misleading argument. 80% of the Sunni majority in Pakistan follow either Sufi or Barelvi paths, both of which reject Saudi's Wahabi idealogy. @Ruhul Amin "Saudi Arabia and other Arabs are fighting against the Zionist agenda of Iran..." Really?? Is it Iran which is really backing the Zionist agenda or is it Saudi Arabia? In light of the recent developments (Netanyahu addressing the US Congress on the sole issue of the Jewish state's opposition to Iran-US nuclear deal and now Israel declaring that it will support Sunni coalition against Yemni Houthis) it just goes to show that rather it is Saudi Arabia which is better aligned with the Zionist agenda than the Iranis!

Adnan Siddiqi | 9 years ago | Reply @zara: Thanks for your appreciation but I would have to take a rain check on that. My hands are already full with making a mockery out of that comedian, Niazi of Banigala.

Naeem Khokhar | 9 years ago | Reply Dear Adnan Siddiqi: I am sorry to have read such comments of bias and hate against my Army. I for sure know many young officers of Pakistan army who straight away landed in FATA or other operations after their passing out from PMA. They never had time to return back to cants & messes as they were no more. I have seen them at their marriages and leaving their families back after 3 days of marriage for some cause if we as a nation are willing to value it. Many were never able to see the smile their new norms. Please stop blaming your army. It's political decision of the government elected by your votes. If these issues can be resolved by someone's resignation I assure you every soldier of my country would resign. You know why; because it's much easy to resign a job for some cause than to sacrifice your life for the same thing.

nomi | 9 years ago | Reply How quickly a coalition was formed and bombed yemen. Just last year the middle east largest military might was bombing the region's poorest slum ( gaza). Why wasn't a coalition formed against israel? Pakistan has no choice of being neutral. The decision has been made to support KSA. And some people condemning houthis and supporting ksa. Why? Did iran bomb afghan taliban when they were doing exactly what the houthis did that is taking city after city?

Noor.M.Chaudhry (Ex.P.OW1971) | 9 years ago | Reply @ali: This is the TRUTH my friend Ali. NS can lie. but how long?

Noor.M.Chaudhry (Ex.P.OW1971) | 9 years ago | Reply @Hatim: No authority, PM NS can impeached.

Noor.M.Chaudhry (Ex.P.OW1971) | 9 years ago | Reply @Rex Minor: Only for nuclear umbrella, but not for sending forces. Then why Saudies did not save ZA from the Gallows?

Noor.M.Chaudhry (Ex.P.OW1971) | 9 years ago | Reply well, It is a grave & conflicting situation for Pakistan. Number One: PM NS has a big conflict interest in this, because, beside he gave his daughter to one of Saudi prince, secondly he has been living in Saudi Arabia for 10 year in excile. Thirdly during recent load sheding his govt got 1.5 billions, NS has too many patotoes on his plate. Fourthly, he has already sent military, Air force pilots & Naval crews without the approval of parliament (National Assembly.) It is very risky, dangrous, too many traps & crakes in it. if has done this, be could be impeached. One has to be very sentive on this mud. Once you are into it, you will be keep on sinking in it. I have advice to PM NS send the troops, but they should legally migrated to Saudi Arabia, they belong to Saudi Arabia, they will become citizen of Saudi Arabia. Number2, why not under umbrella of IOC, it has 1.4 billions of population. Under this organization establish the peace force for this purposes. Contribute forces & Funds to grow from the scrach. It will you your one of organization to represent in the UNO, we will have a strong voice, we can nominate one of our permanent member for the seat of security council. Now is the time for PM NS to advise king of Saudi Arabia to work on this plan.

Muhammad Shoaib | 9 years ago | Reply @PK: I think you are mixing friendship with some social problems. The two nations i.e. Pakistan and Saudi Arab have always been standing behind each other till recently and I am in favor of this process to continue. By the way it is the responsibility of every Muslim to safeguard Haramain Sharifain and this is my point of view. Also I have trust in General Raheel so lets see what decision he takes.

Muhammad Shoaib | 9 years ago | Reply @Aamir: Dear I have put forward the facts and figures and now its up to you to give it any meaning. I would go the extent that Pakistan should strive to become a member of GCC because this way we shall have some tested friends on our back whenever we do need some help, particularly in the shape of economic assistance. Most of these GCC members have always helped when we needed it. Lets not forget about a great friend of Pakistan i.e. Sheikh Zayed in whose names we have airport, hospitals, university, roads, bridges etc. Please go and see what are they doing for us in Swat and FATA; constructing schools, colleges and bridges. Please don't forget that a friend in need, is a friend indeed and that is what these GCC members are. Please note that I had written in my previous post that lets trust General Raheel Sharief to take another decision in the greater national interests like he has been doing so till recently.

jg | 9 years ago | Reply @Adnan Siddiqi: Seems like you were born yesterday and don't know that pak army units have been heavily committed to war against ttp. It's each unit have served atleast thrice...it's has the largest numbers of officer to jawan deaths...compared to any army...officers lead the fight unlike NATO...feel sorry for your shameful comment..may the almighty enlighten you with more knowledge

Prada | 9 years ago | Reply And thus World War One between Shias and Sunnis begin !!

SAM | 9 years ago | Reply Really sad to see this wrong decision. It will destroy already shaken peace of Pakistan.

PK | 9 years ago | Reply @ Abbas, Yemen is not and has never been a majority shia country. Zaidis make up maximum 35% of Yemen. the rest are Sunnis. That said, i still disagree with this intervention, it will only make AQAP and ISIS stronger.

zara | 9 years ago | Reply @Adnan Siddiqi: I read ur comment to jg. You are very funny. Can we group together to write comic novels.

Fawad | 9 years ago | Reply So basically Nawaz Sharif is risking the security of Pakistan to get some PR for himself and his family.

khalid | 9 years ago | Reply Dear PRIMINISTER why are u sending Pakistani army in SAUDI ARABIA? we are in Saudi Arabia much enough working here. we all are ready to protect our other beloved country Saudi Arabia at any cost. If Saudi Arabia need us we are also ready here to protect and fight.

raider | 9 years ago | Reply @Abbas: From your white propaganda it is not too difficult to estimate, very reasons of woes of Shias

raider | 9 years ago | Reply @Adnan Siddiqi: where is democracy which is likely to be derailed, if there exist, it is being propelled by democratic thugs, Nawaz Govt is being governed on very like working under gun point, and under pressure of Imran khan, who through his lingered dharna and street movements have rendered the incumbents Govt to be a remote controlled civilian set up nothing else.it is better to have a threat of armed to get them avoid from loot and plunder and money laundering

Abbas | 9 years ago | Reply First thing to Notice. Why 4 Wahabi Muslim Nations Army has attacked a Small Shia Muslim dominant country. SAUDIA in past attacked and captured 3 Oil Rich Province of Yeman. Currently Saudi Govt wants to capture the remaining oil rich area's of Yeman. Yeman army is not capable to defend 4 nations Army So dats why local people has joined the Mujahid group to save their Land from suadia. 68 Innocent people have been killed in air strike by Saudia air force. Still they are begging for Pakistan army support. FOR MR SHAIKH, PAKISTAN HAS MORE THAN 38% Shia Muslims and Founder of Pak Muhammad Ali jinnah was Shia Muslim. Iran was the first country who helped and supported Pakistan. Currently we have Petrol, gas and many other imports from Iran. Makka and Medina need to be protected NOT THE CRUEL SAUDI KINGS. Army

Dipak | 9 years ago | Reply Good news for Pakistani Army. Stay in Yemen for ever. Aden is good city. Say Bye Bye to POK and Northern Areas.

Aslam | 9 years ago | Reply @Shaikh: By saying "We are a muslim state not a Shia state" what exactly are you trying to say? Are shias not muslims?

Rizwan Khan | 9 years ago | Reply @Jassim: Nonsense, your comments are sectarian. Pakistan is NOT a Sunni state. Iran isn't even particularly close to india. The "problems" in pakistan stem from Saudi Wahabbis. Iranian Shias don't indoctrinate pakistani children to blow themselves up in our market.

Rizwan Khan | 9 years ago | Reply @Dr.M.M. Khan: Saudis weren't attacked, they're dragging us in to prop up the Yemeni regime. Saudi Arabia might be an ally, but Yemen is not.

Aamir | 9 years ago | Reply @Muhammad Shoaib: in this way USA has been a bigger friend. They gave 2 billion usd/yr for many years along with strong military cooperation. We always enjoyed air superiority over india because of US aircraft. So shall we also do as US says every time?

Rizwan Khan | 9 years ago | Reply We need to stay out of this. This isn't just aid to a muslim country, this is aiding the spread of Wahabbism. I'm Sunni, but would much rather have good relations with Iran over Saudi. I even prefer Israel to Saudi Arabia.

Saqib | 9 years ago | Reply Good decision Mr. PM. Lets cry babies cry.

Tahir Khan | 9 years ago | Reply Nawaz Sharif did not ask me as a pakistani citizen. It is not our conflict. Muslims killing muslims especially in aid of a state which is regularly decapitating pakistanis. Wrong!

Raj - USA | 9 years ago | Reply Looks like Saudis are very, very terrified. So, they are making statements themselves on behalf of Pakistan. Pakistan cannot and is not in a position to say that these are not their statements and silence will be taken as acceptance. Realistically, Pakistan does not have any other option other than rescuing saudis. If Pakistan stay away or refuses, its sunni population will be enraged and sunni religious parties will cause havoc in Pakistan. If Pakistan sides with saudis, shia population may be unhappy and react. However, it is easier for Pakistan to control and handle its shia population who make up of just around 25% of its muslim population than to face backlash from its sunni population who make up nearly 75% of its muslim population. However, if Pakistan sides with saudis, it must do it totally and wholeheartedly, and do everything saudis want, including invading Yemen along with saudis. Otherwise it may face backlash from both sunnis and shias. If you try to jump over just half the well, you will only sink.

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply @F. Khan: You are not serious Sir! It is not Sharif but Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who enetered into defense pact with Saudi Monarch and guaranteed nuclear umbrella for the kingdom! Have a nice day and dream of Sharifs wriggling themselves out of this agreement when the ISIL and Hutis strike back against the Saudi main land! Rex Minor

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply @Parvez: Pakistan has a defense agreement and this is what the Prime Minister of Pakistan should tell its people. Your General Sharif will be court martialed if he does not adhere to the defense pact. Rex Minor

Optimist | 9 years ago | Reply The issue has been resolved by the nation not the government.

Babloo | 9 years ago | Reply They are negotiating the rent. Saudi Arabia claims that they have already paid.

Truth Detector | 9 years ago | Reply I have three questions: why Why WHY

sabi | 9 years ago | Reply @raider: Fighting in middle east is a part of ending terrorism in Pakistan.We have to end sanctuaries of terrorists wherever they are.This is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to fight her war on foreign fronts without bearing the expenses of war.Besides helping Islamic world falling apart at the hands of enemies.

Jalal | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan is doing to Yemen what Israel is doing to Palestinians. But this is OK as this time we are the aggressors.

Adnan Siddiqi | 9 years ago | Reply @jg: The army has to be sent to Yemen, not because it's the duty to protect Saudi Arabia because the more our officers stay back home the more they tend to waste their time in officers mess expanding their waistlines and coming up with new enterprises and schemes to derail democracy in the country. Besides, such foreign postings pay top $$$ which can easily entice any army, even Raheel Sharif's. @Parvez, Where is the ISPR then? Raheel Sharif's duty is to adhere to the diktat of the Prime Minister. If he has a problem, he can easily resign from his commission. All the shiny and boutique toys that our armed forces proudly swaggers around on military parades are funded by Saudi petro dollar. Not to mention that these army men lobby hard to get the choicest postings/deputations in the Kingdom to train and advise the Saudi armed forces for which they are paid good money.

globalobserver | 9 years ago | Reply "Nawaz has ensured 'all potentials of Pakistan Army' to Kingdom:" Euphemism for "we will let our army do the dirty work for you" for the right price?

Bilawal | 9 years ago | Reply Coward saudies. Disgusting Muslims. Can't even defend themselves from tribals. Pure disgust.

Xnain | 9 years ago | Reply This country has a big problem.Pakistani Shias are more loyal to Iran and Wahabis and Deubandis to SA. I wont be surprised if some Iranian Ayatollah/ Arab Shaikh calls for a malitia in Pakistan that these groups won't respond to the call. One thing should be made crystal clear. Post shah Ayatollah-ridden Iran never was and never will be Pakistan's true friend. Same can be said for Saudis but they have bailed us out on quite a lot of occasions. Ayatollahi Iran, on the other hand, has never come forward to Pakistan but rather helped Indians to work against Pakistan.

Jadugar | 9 years ago | Reply The Saudis want Pakistan to fight on the ground on behalf of Saudis without spilling any Saudi blood. They want Pakistan to be their canon fodders.

Whiskey Khan | 9 years ago | Reply Finally the Saudis have been dragged into the Middle East turmoil and destruction under the guise of Shia Sunni divide and Pakistan (nuclear State ) is being tempted to take sides in a war that should never happen. Pakistan needs to be above the created Shia Sunni divide.

PK | 9 years ago | Reply @ Muhammad Shoaib, so if its such a big friend and brother, why does it go out of its way to BAN Saudi men from marrying Pakistani women (it hasn't done the same for India and many other countries), and vice versa, a Pakistani man marrying a Saudi woman is illegal BY LAW. Does America, the UK, China, Iran or even YEMEN do that????

Parvez | 9 years ago | Reply General Raheel Sharif is very silent ......... In reality, its what he says, is what matters.

jg | 9 years ago | Reply No pak army jawan is willing to fight for saudi Arabia....not atleast in this war between two Muslim countries......NS is trying to protect its investment not pak japan's and raheel sharif army is not for sale

F. Khan | 9 years ago | Reply If this is true, then we must all join the chant of Go Nawaz, GO! I never agreed with this when it was started by PTI, but if the PM can take such arbitrary decisions, then it is best that he GOES! After all, you have also been unable to protect your own countrymen from terrorists.

Muhammad Shoaib | 9 years ago | Reply Saudi Arab is the real friend of Pakistan. It provided two fast gunboats to Pakistan in 1971 when its Navy was a small force at that time. It has always supported Pakistan in the time of needs and it has helped us so much that we must not forget its generosity for Pakistan. After 1998 nuclear tests of Pakistan, the whole world imposed economic sanctions on Pakistan and the then Saudi King visited Pakistan during that time calling Pakistan as their brother. In one of his addresses of the King, during his that visit, at the end the then King repeatedly shouted, "Pakistan Zinda Bad"-I will never forget his this slogan and I pray to Allah for his bakhshish all the times. Readers are requested to open this and read it carefully the support which Saudis have provided to Pakistan in rainy days of our history http://www.opfblog.com/12675/pakistan-saudi-arabia-bilateral-relations-a-research-study/. Lets trust General Raheel to take a right decision in our national interest like his previous patriotic decisions.

Ruhul Amin | 9 years ago | Reply This is not a Sectarian War. This is an Iran sponsored Terrorism through Houthi Shia rebels. They are rebelling against elected government and killing innocent Muslims. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will support each other no matter what it comes to. Saudi Arabia and other Arabs are fighting against the Zionist agenda of Iran, Our Country will support Saudi Arabia if any Irani or other Shia community tried to be a threat to its integrity.

Jassim | 9 years ago | Reply Support Saudi Arabia and don't create a mess as we did when Kuwait was invaded. We helped GCC but few people hijacked the cause by false support of Saddam. Being a nuclear state, we have some responsibility; every Muslims should listen to Pakistan. Ask for a membership in the Arab League (throw out India holding an observer status). This is the time to show the militiary musle of Pakistan. We should not get distracted by talking shia and sunni. If we are economically and internationally recognised, all internal problems will be resolved.

raider | 9 years ago | Reply Would our pm like to ensure all potentials of pak army at the disposal of innocent Palestinians which are even fighting with non-Muslims even for their due right?

zahid | 9 years ago | Reply Nice decession love u NS nice and wise decession

raider | 9 years ago | Reply @sabi: pakistan army should at least restore peace in his own country first,

Neo | 9 years ago | Reply I remember we have labor chowks in most of cities. For pay and hire . Phew.. . no guesss here to after all they paid 1.5 billion like USA like China . Enjoy.

Shaikh | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan MUST whole heartedely support Saudi Arabia in the fight against shias in Yemen. The fact of the matter is that Pakistan has less than 20% shias and therefore defending the cause of sunnis is our responsibility. We are a Muslim state not a shia state. Iran is a close ally of India, always created trouble for Pakistan in Afghanistan and is a real trouble shooter for the entire Muslims Ummah. They should know their limits.

Dr.M.M. Khan | 9 years ago | Reply This is not the first time Pakistan has come to Saudi Arabia's aid. It happened in the first Gulf war too when the pakistani army was deployed on the border with Yemen. It did not see any action though. Yemen may be a state in the dejure sense but it is not a defacto state now. Pakistan has close relations with Saudi Arabia and if the latter requests assistance to free it's troops for fighting in Yemen Pakistan should oblige. Pakistan army has a long tradition of involment in the middel east turmoil. It saved the king of Jordan from Yasser Arafat!

Anon | 9 years ago | Reply ensured or assured?

ali | 9 years ago | Reply Interesting that All International Media reporting that Pakistani Army has already been deployed at the Yemen Border and Pak Aircraft and Navel ships took Part in The Attacks, but the Nawaz Regime is duping it's own Nation by telling lies

Shehryar | 9 years ago | Reply @Hatim: The authority of the capital (money). You didn't think that $1B you received from Saudi Arabia was free money, did you? Beggars cannot be choosers.

munnu | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan should stay out of this yemen mess. It is of no national interest to us. Saudi Arabia should fight its own sectarian wars, Pak Army is not for rent. Most of the sectarian problem in Pakistan is due to the saudis.

Hatim | 9 years ago | Reply What authority under the Constitution does the PM have to pledge troops to a foreign country without parliamentary approval?

Jawad U Rahman | 9 years ago | Reply This is the cost of those 1.5 Billion that you got last year. Be a poodle now.

sabi | 9 years ago | Reply okay good decision hope Pakistan army will restore full peace ,unlike NATO ,setting new precedents.

Singh | 9 years ago | Reply are these statements from both sides not contradictory

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