In regards to the question over choosing between Saudi or Iran. The fact of the matter is, despite being neighbours with Iran, Pakistan had never actively put any serious efforts into building good relationships with Iran. We always have check the mood of Americans or Saudis before perusing any policies with Iran. We have one of the largest - or the largest - Shia minorities in the world. Our founding father was a Shia. We share a common heritage with Iran, and improved ties could do massive wonders for both countries tourism industry. Before Saudi started funding the toxic factories i.e madarassahs, to propagate their Wahhabi ideology, we never really had any serious problem with sectarianism. So stop Saudi Arabia from using Pakistan as a proxy ground to create a Frankenstein monster against Iran, and Iran should have no reason to arm Pakistani Shias and pit them against the state.
If I have to choose between creating a well established trade link, improving genuine two sided economic, social and political co-operation between two neighbouring countries, and doing all the dirty work for a slimeball of a Kingdom for some 'gifts' with strings attached which also inevitably by design only end up in the hands of corrupt politicians like Nawas Sharif and Ishaq Dar. I'll choose the first option.
Pakistan needs to stay out of this Yemen business. Unlike Saudi, we share a long border with Iran. Iran can make serious trouble for us and needs to be kept sweet. Siding with Saudi will push Iran firmly into the Indian camp and make sure that Pakistan is definitely surrounded militarily on all sides.
If Hisham Abdulaziz had left al-Mazraq refugee camp in Yemen a few minutes later, he too would have been incinerated in the strike, just like the bodies he later saw at the hospital.
“They were burned, it was a very horrible image,” said the doctor after labouring to treat the wounded, including women and children, who streamed into the nearest hospital. By the end of the day there were 29 bodies in the hospital morgue.
“One man came looking for his five children who were missing, and he was able to identify two of their corpses, but he couldn’t find the others,” said Abdulaziz, who spoke with the Guardian by telephone. “It was difficult to identify them.”
Be prepared for kicking out of millions of Pakistanis work force from UAE/KSA. The statement of minister is no less than a strict warning. KSA may also follow. Due to failed foreign policies of Pakistan in past, Pakistan is in deep sh!t. If army decides, or perhaps already decided to support KSA/UAE demand, what is the purpose of passing resolution by NA?? They should not have discussed or passed such dubious resolution making them sh!ty idiots if army acts against the resolution, in such case Pakistan lose friendly ties with Iran and perhaps lose Iran Pipe Line project. A perfect catch 22 situation.
KARACHI: Pakistani lawmakers’ call for the government to remain neutral on the escalating crisis in Yemen has evoked a strong response from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“The vague and contradictory stands of Pakistan and Turkey are an absolute proof that Arab security — from Libya to Yemen — is the responsibility of none but Arab countries,” UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash said.
Speaking to renowned Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times, Garhash warned Pakistan of having to pay a “heavy price” for taking on what he called an “ambiguous stand”. He added that Pakistan should take a clear position “in favour of its strategic relations with the six-nation Arab Gulf cooperation Council”.
Also read: Parliament’s welcome resolution
“The Arabian Gulf is in a dangerous confrontation, its strategic security is on the edge, and the moment of truth distinguishes between the real ally and the ally of media and statements,” Gargash tweeted moments after the Pakistani parliament passed the resolution insisting on neutrality in the Yemen conflict.
Gargash went to symbolise Pakistan’s resolution as equivalent of siding up with Iran instead of the Gulf. “Tehran seems to be more important to Islamabad and Ankara than the Gulf countries,” Gargash said.
“Though our economic and investment assets are inevitable, political support is missing at critical moments,” he added.
The statement comes a day after the Parliament passed a unanimous resolution vowing to defend Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and the holy places of Makkah and Madinah. None of these locations appear to have so far been threatened by the conflict.
More on this: Not our war
“Pakistan should play a mediating role and not get involved in the fighting in Yemen,” the resolution stated, adding that “the Parliament of Pakistan … underscores the need for continued efforts by the government of Pakistan to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis”.
“[Parliament] 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,” it stated.
The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against Houthi rebels on March 26 in support of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after they seized the capital and forced him to flee to Aden. The government of Pakistan has so far not announced a decision on Saudi Arabia’s request for Islamabad to join a coalition fighting Houthi rebels by contributing jets, navy ships and ground troops.
Logically PPP decided correctly. Pakistan should not interfere. But then it has severe consequences also because of deep friendly relations and commitments with UAE and KSA on government/army level. Be prepared for the worst.
As regard Russian, India and UAE interference in Baluchistan insurgency, is there any proof of their involvement? If yes had Pakistan ever protested to these countries and raised this issue to UN? Had Pakistan ever discussed this issue in NA?? If not this this just BS. Story of mass graves in Baluchistan is telling just opposite story.
Hypocritical relationship…its about time to show them the door. Their arrogance will only take them down, their time has begun. Their policies have destroyed the Middle East and Pakistan…circle will complete on these two countries.
No you can not. This will be most idiotic decision and perhaps choking the Pakistan’s economy recipe and perhaps further breakup of Pakistan. Be sensible and take decision coolly using brain not paki arse hole emotions as usual. Sometimes you have to take decision which apparently does not look good but it has long term consequences for future of the country.
Worst possible scenario
Kicking out of millions of Pakistanis from UAE and KSA losing major source of foreign exchange for Pakistan and facing severe unemployment, inflation, lawlessness, worst economy and perhaps break up of the country.
On the other hand lose the friendship of Iran and perhaps losing IPL project, which may not have severe consequences as option one. Pick your chose.
First this should not have discussed in NA because of the consequences of any decision. It should have been a joint army/civilian government meeting to decide. This dagga PM has no brains to think like a logical person. He will face KSA wrath very soon.
there is a parliament and they have made a decision which is in the interest of the country, we should acknowledge it. GCC countries can shove their threats down their behinds.
