SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Pakistan has been in crisis after Saudia’s pressure and threats of repercussions. Soon after the statement of UAE’s minister, Pakistani leadership has been seen on backfoot and giving clarifications regarding its stance on Yemen. In order to clarify or more precisely appease saudi masters, Pakistan sent a second delegation to Saudia that comprised of CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and other senior officials. Pakistan is yet in between because time and again it has said that it will play a neutral role in the conflict while on the other hand it has started implementing the UN Security Council resolution seeking arms embargo on Yemen’s Houthi rebels as well as freezing their assets and imposing a travel ban.
We also do not know what promises were made to the government in Riyadh by the high-powered delegation led by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, which recently visited the Kingdom to meet with top officials, including members of the Royal family. Statements made after a meeting in Islamabad on April 16, during which the prime minister was briefed on the visit have been vague; some say deliberately so. This is disturbing.
Like the past Saudia wants Pakistani troops on Yemeni ground which is certainly not possible this time because Pakistan has learnt enough lesson from the past follies. However Pakistan’s political leadership is restless to assist Saudia in this war and thus despite advocating a neutral position it is supporting Saudia on the issue. Political leadership must tell the public about factual stance on this conflict. After a resolution passed against taking part in this war, it does not suit Government to sent tacit delegations to Saudia. Before taking any step political leadership must convey it to people of Pakistan.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
