Parliament decides to remain neutral in Saudi-led Yemen war

ISLAMABAD:
Parliament on Friday urged the government to stay out of the conflict in Yemen where the Saudi-led coalition is bombing Huthi rebels.

A unanimous resolution passed by a special joint session of Parliament backed the government's commitment to protect Saudi Arabia's territory, which has so far not been threatened by the conflict.

But it said Pakistan should play a mediating role.

The motion came after five days of debate on the Yemen crisis, in which the majority of lawmakers urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif not to send Pakistani forces to join the fight.

Pakistan has pushed diplomatic efforts in the past week, holding talks with Turkish and Iranian officials to try to forge a way ahead.

Friday's resolution urged the government to begin work in the UN Security Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation bloc to bring about a ceasefire.



1:30pm

Below is the text from the draft resolution:

1. Appreciates the decision of the Government to call the Joint Sitting of Parliament to consider Pakistan’s response to the crisis in Yemen;


2. Expresses serious concern on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Yemen and its implications for peace and stability of the region and supports all humanitarian initiatives aimed at bringing relief to the people caught in the conflict;


3. Calls upon the warring factions in Yemen to resolves their differences peacefully through dialogue;


4. Appreciates the arrangements made by the Government for the safe and swift evacuation of Pakistanis and nationals of many other countries from Yemen and expresses its gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its contribution in the regards;


5. Apprehends that the crisis in Yemen could plunge the region into turmoil;


6. Supports regional and international efforts for restoration of peace and stability in Yemen;


7. Underscores the need for continued efforts by the Government of Pakistan to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis, while promoting the unity of Muslim Ummah, in cooperation with the leaders of other Muslim countries;


8. Desires that Pakistan should maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict so as to be able to play a   proactive diplomatic role to end the crisis;


9. Urges the Muslim Ummah and the international community to intensify their efforts to promote peace in Yemen;


10. Expresses unequivocal support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and affirms that in case of any violation of its territorial integrity or any threat to Haramain Sharifain, Pakistan will stand shoulder with Saudi Arabia and its people;


11. Expresses  deep concern at the increasing threats posed by different terrorist groups and non-state actors to the security and stability of the region and advises the Government of Pakistan to enhance its friendship and cooperation with the GCC and all other regional countries in combating extremism and terrorism;


12. Desires that the Government of Pakistan initiate steps to move the UN Security Council and the OIC to bring about an immediate ceasefire in the Yemen.

12:55pm

According to Radio Pakistan, the resolution states: “Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi brethren in case of any threat to its territorial integrity”.


The resolution urges government to move the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Yemen.

“Pakistan and other Islamic countries should work together for peaceful resolution of issue while promoting unity of Muslim Ummah,” the resolution further adds.



12:33pm

As per the resolution, Pakistan will remain neutral in Yemen war and play an active role in mediating peace, Express News reports.

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Lower House.



12:30pm

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presents resolution on Yemen crisis in the National Assembly.



12:07pm

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan will not be attending the joint sitting, Express News reports.



11:56pm

Pakistan Peoples Party's Ayaz Soomro says Pakistan has always played a leadership role in Muslim community.

"Pakistan can play the role of a mediator in the current Middle East crisis," Soomro says.

The lawmaker says PM Nawaz, along with the ministers should visit various Muslim countries in order to defuse the tension in the Middle East, Radio Pakistan reported.



11:49am

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has summoned a meeting of parliamentary leaders of various political parties today to give them an in-camera briefing on the Yemen conflict and develop a consensus on the resolution draft presented in the joint session of parliament, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

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