ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reiterated his assurance to Saudi brothers that Pakistan shall stand shoulder to shoulder with them in line with its long term commitment to Saudi sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability which has been the main pillar of our foreign policy perused by successive governments.
In a statement he delivered at the state run radio and television he clarified Pakistan position on different dimension of the Yemeni crisis here on Monday, the Prime Minster said from the very start Pakistan policy was based on the principles that Saudi Arabia is one of our most important strategic ally, the sanctity of the two Holy Mosques would be protected.
The Prime Minister said we have already intensified contacts with Saudi Arabia, monitoring the ground situation and possible threats to the security of the Kingdom. He said Pakistan is also in touch with other GCC countries to assure them that their disappointment was based on misinterpretation of Parliament resolution.
“Pakistan does not abandon friends and strategic partners especially at a time when their security is under threat and there should be no doubt of our policy of solidarity with the GCC states” he asserted.
Referring to the principles on which Pakistan’s policy is based, he said Saudi Arabia is one of the most important strategic allies of Pakistan. Pakistan attaches importance to sanctity of the two Holy Mosques and full support to their custodian.
“Pakistan does not abandon friends, my government continues to fortify and strengthen relations with them and there should be no doubt of our policy of solidarity with the GCC states” he asserted.
He said Pakistan strongly condemned the action of the Houthis and other non state actors who overthrew the legitimate government of Yemen and expressed serious concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation. He said Pakistan emphasised the urgency of finding a peaceful solution of the crisis through dialogue among the warring factions.
The Prime Minister said the Resolution passed by the Parliament on 10th April fully endorsed these principles and strengthened the hands of the government.
“The resolution has affirmed in clear and categorical terms that any violation of Saudi territorial sovereignty or threat to the two Holy Mosques will evoke a strong response from Pakistan” the Prime Minister reminded.
Nawaz said this assurance has been given despite massive commitment of our armed forces in operation Zarb e Azb which is being carried out by Pakistan armed forces against terrorism in which hundreds of our brave soldiers and security personnel have laid down their lives.
He said Pakistan believes that restoration of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi will be the first step towards peace.
He said during his talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during his visit to Pakistan that violent overthrow of legitimate government in Yemen has set a dangerous precedence. He said he urged Zarif to use Iran’s influence to bring the Houthis to negotiating table.
The Prime Minister said some media reports tried to create misunderstanding between Pakistan and Arab brothers but Pakistan believe that public comments would be counter productive.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan will intensify its diplomatic efforts in consultation with the leadership of Saudi Arabia to resolve the crisis.
INP