Yemen crisis is power struggle, not sectarian conflict, says Qureshi

Parliamentarians debate whether to send troops to Yemen as joint session reconvenes

ISLAMABAD: The joint session of Parliament to discuss whether Pakistan should join the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen to quell the Houthi militia has reconvened for the third day on Thursday and the debate is underway.



2:10pm

Pakistan Muslim League-Functional Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah points out that Pakistan has excellent relations with Saudi Arabia and that the Kingdom had extended political, diplomatic and financial support in the hour of need, Radio Pakistan reported.

"Pakistan should not become involved in the Yemen war, but it is our moral responsibility to do whatever is possible to strengthen the defence capability of Saudi Arabia," he adds.



1:59pm

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Senator Col (retd) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi says Pakistani troops are already engaged in a difficult war against terrorists, Radio Pakistan reported.

"We cannot afford to entangle them in another war," he says,



1:17pm

The PTI vice chairperson says Pakistan should play the role of a mediator.



12:50pm

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives at the National Assembly.





12:36pm

Addressing the media outside National Assembly, PTI Vice Chairperson Shah Mehmood Qureshi says Yemen crisis is a power struggle and not a sectarian conflict.

“If we deploy our troops in Yemen, the effectiveness of Operation Zarb-e-Azb would be affected," he adds.

Qureshi says our focus should be coming up with a peaceful solution to the Yemen crisis.



12:13pm

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Shireen Mazari says joining the Saudi-led coalition can disrupt the peace in the region.

"The draft resolution tabled by Russia, seeking a break in fighting on humanitarian grounds, should be passed in the United Nations," she says.

Mazari adds the Yemen war is not our war and that the government should learn from its past experiences.

Speaking about the support provided to America by Pakistan earlier, the PTI spokesperson said the former president Pervez Musharraf had unnecessarily sent army troops to Iraq.