ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday reaffirmed government’s pledge to defend Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“There should be no ambiguity that if the security of Saudi territory is at stake Pakistan will stand by for support,” he told lawmakers at start of Parliament’s joint session on whether or not to join Saudi-led coalition against Yemen rebels.
Asif, who was part of a high-level political and military delegation that visited Saudi Arabia last week, said Saudi Arabia has asked Pakistan to contribute aircraft, ships and ground troops to its coalition fighting rebels in Yemen.
“Saudi Arabia has requested us for aircraft, naval vessels and ground troops.”
“Pakistan has assured Saudi leadership that any threat to Saudi Arab’s sovereignty would evoke a strong response from Pakistan,” said the minister in his formal policy statement.
“All possible support will be extended to Saudi Arabia. We will remain committed to safeguard holy shrines in the holy land,” he said.
He assured that all decisions in this regard would be taken keeping in view aspirations of people of Pakistan, hoping that the Parliament’s debate would help government formulate policy on Pakistan’s role in Yemen.
“To safeguard Saudi Arab’s territorial integrity is Pakistan’s pledge that we will fulfill when required,” he said.
The minister thanked Saudi Arab and China for assistance in evacuation of Pakistanis from the war-torn country.
Pakistan has evacuated nearly 700 citizens from war-torn Yemen.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Turkey on Friday and discussed the crisis with his counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu. Speaking after talks, Sharif called for a peaceful resolution.
Khawaja Asif told the house that Pakistan and Turkey both have agreed to play their roles for Saudi Arab’s security. “Pakistan and Turkey both condemn non-state elements in Yemen… Unity of Muslim Ummah is vital for regional security.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is due to visit Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the situation, Asif said.
The parliamentary debate — which Sharif missed as he was in talks with the visiting Sri Lankan president — is due to resume at 5:00 pm.
