Joint session: Govt advised to play peace agent’s role in Yemen

MPs in one voice suggest PML-N to work for ceasefire

ISLAMABAD:

During the third day of the joint session of parliament on Wednesday, there was unanimity in the stance of lawmakers.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle advised the government to play a peace broker’s role in the ongoing Yemen crisis. The MPs urged the government to work for ceasefire in war-torn country, where Saudi Arabia is leading a military campaign against Houthi rebels.

PPP lawmaker Saeed Ghani criticised the government for concealing facts from parliament about its cooperation pledge with Saudi Arabia. “What is the purpose of this joint session when details are not being shared with the lawmakers,” he said, adding that the government should at-least share details in in-camera session.

Both defence ministry and ministry for foreign affairs, he said, are directly linked with the Yemen situation but Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz was not seen during the debate.

Similarly, PTI lawmaker Shireen Mazari, not only spoke on the situation in Yemen but also took a jab at Khawaja Asif’s statement verbal tirade against her party .

She said, “This is actually a civil war in Yemen which could have serious repercussions on the region.”



She also criticised Pakistan’s ambassador of Yemen for immediately returning to the country while many Pakistani were stranded there. “Investigation should be carried out as why he left Yemen immediately,” she said.

PML-F Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah pointed 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.

Taking the floor, MQM senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi was of the view that Pakistan might not afford its indulgence to entangle in another war. “We are already facing difficult situation in our country,” he stated, adding that Pakistan should make efforts for ceasefire as it can send humanitarian aid there.

Senator Ilyas Bilour said there is no value of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) as it would not prove helpful.  He added that Pakistan should not involve its forces directly in this crisis.

Earlier, Iftikharuddin said Pakistan’s policy on Yemen crisis should be framed keeping in view the national interests. “We should also take on board the neighbouring countries for evolving a consensus policy on Yemen,” he suggested.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2015.