Islamabad:Parliament of Pakistan on Friday resolved to stand by Saudi Arabia if its sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened and reaffirmed efforts for brining normalcy to Yemen crisis.
The Parliament also resolved to observe neutrality in the Yemen crisis and continue political and diplomatic efforts for peaceful resolution of the issue and strengthening unity of Muslim Ummah. The Parliament expresses unequivocal support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and affirms that in case of any violation of its territorial integrity and any threats to Harmain Shareefain, Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia and its people, stated the resolution read out by Minister for Finance at the end of the joint sitting. The Parliament desires that Pakistan should maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict so as to be able to play a proactive role to end the crisis, said the resolution unanimously adopted by the joint sitting. The joint sitting of the Parliament considered the grave situation in Yemen at its five-day proceedings and its implications for regional and international peace and security and noted that the war in Yemen is not sectarian in nature but has the potential of turning into a sectarian conflict which will have a critical fall out in the region including Pakistan.
The joint sitting appreciated the decision of the government to call the joint sitting of the Parliament to consider Pakistan’s response to the crisis in Yemen. Both the Houses expressed serious concern on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Yemen and its implications for peace and stability of the region and supported all humanitarian initiatives and aimed at bringing to the people caught in the conflict. The Parliament called upon the warring factions in Yemen to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue and appreciated the arrangements made by the government for the safe and swift evacuation of Pakistanis and nationals of many other countries from Yemen and expressed gratitude to China for its contribution in this regard.
The joint sitting apprehended the crisis in Yemen could plunge the region into turmoil and supported regional and international efforts for the restoration of peace and stability in Yemen. Both the Houses also underscored the need for continued efforts by the government of Pakistan to find a peaceful solution of the crisis while promoting the unity of Muslim Ummah in cooperation with the leaders of other Muslim countries. The joint sitting expressed deep concerns at the increasing threats posed by different terrorists groups and non state actors to the security and stability of the region and advised the government of Pakistan to enhance its friendship and cooperation with the GCC and all other regional countries in combating extremism and terrorism. Finally the joint sitting desired that the government of Pakistan initiates steps to move the United Nations Security Council and Organisation of Islamic Conference to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Yemen.
