Yemen crisis: PTI chief urges govt to act as peace broker
Says Pakistan is still paying the price for the war in Afghanistan.
Addressing the media at his hilltop residence in Islamabad, the PTI chief said “Pakistan should act as a peacemaker instead of becoming a party in a crisis between two Muslim states.” PHOTO: INP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan urged the government on Thursday to act as a peace broker in the Saudi-led military campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Addressing the media at his hilltop residence in Islamabad, the PTI chief said “Pakistan should act as a peacemaker instead of becoming a party in a crisis between two Muslim states.”
The PTI supremo insisted that the government should spell out its policy on providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting recent media reports on the government’s stance, he said that the nation is anxious to know about Pakistan’s involvement in the Middle East conflict.
He asserted that “Pakistan was thrust into the US-led war in Afghanistan and the country is still reeling from the effects of the conflict.”
“We are still trapped in the Afghan war and country has lost more than 50,000 lives in addition to a staggering $100 billion loss to the economy,” the PTI chief added.
Responding to a question whether his party would attend the upcoming joint session of parliament, which is slated for April 6, the PTI leader said: “We will convene an emergency meeting of the party as there is division within the ranks over returning to the assemblies.”
Imran said that some members of his party were of the view that PTI should only return to assemblies after the judicial commission completes its probe.
By-election in Karachi
A trenchant critic of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, the PTI supremo struck a softer tone on Wednesday, urging the party to allow peaceful by-election in Karachi.
In a clarion call to the MQM chief and his party, Imran said “I appeal to Altaf Hussain to let the by-election be held peacefully.” He made it clear that PTI would contest the election come what may. Imran also requested the ECP to deploy Rangers on polling day.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2015.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan urged the government on Thursday to act as a peace broker in the Saudi-led military campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Addressing the media at his hilltop residence in Islamabad, the PTI chief said “Pakistan should act as a peacemaker instead of becoming a party in a crisis between two Muslim states.”
The PTI supremo insisted that the government should spell out its policy on providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting recent media reports on the government’s stance, he said that the nation is anxious to know about Pakistan’s involvement in the Middle East conflict.
He asserted that “Pakistan was thrust into the US-led war in Afghanistan and the country is still reeling from the effects of the conflict.”
“We are still trapped in the Afghan war and country has lost more than 50,000 lives in addition to a staggering $100 billion loss to the economy,” the PTI chief added.
Responding to a question whether his party would attend the upcoming joint session of parliament, which is slated for April 6, the PTI leader said: “We will convene an emergency meeting of the party as there is division within the ranks over returning to the assemblies.”
Imran said that some members of his party were of the view that PTI should only return to assemblies after the judicial commission completes its probe.
By-election in Karachi
A trenchant critic of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, the PTI supremo struck a softer tone on Wednesday, urging the party to allow peaceful by-election in Karachi.
In a clarion call to the MQM chief and his party, Imran said “I appeal to Altaf Hussain to let the by-election be held peacefully.” He made it clear that PTI would contest the election come what may. Imran also requested the ECP to deploy Rangers on polling day.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2015.