Saudis seek Pak military aid in Yemen operations

Saudi Arabia has formally sought Pakistan’s military assistance as the country is engaged in an ongoing conflict in Yemen, officials here said on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Pakistani delegation led by defence minister Khawaja Asif held meetings with high- ranked Saudi officials, including defence minister Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al- Saud, late on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Yemen.

The Pakistani delegation will brief Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a deci- sion to send troops will be made by the country’s leadership, said a senior government official.

On Monday, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia “in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan”.

It was emphasised during the meeting that Pakistan stands committed to playing a meaningful role in arresting the deteriorating situation in the West Asia.

Another official said the Government is pursuing a pragmatic strategy to facilitate early resolution of the crisis and promote peace and unity among the Muslim Ummah ( nation).

“To achieve this objective, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is himself in contact with the heads of various Islamic countries involved in the Yemen crisis,” he added.

“Besides sending highlevel delegation to Saudi Arabia for talks on the issue, the Prime Minister is likely to visit Islamic countries to evolve consensus,” he said. Mr Sharif has also taken measures to take on board political and military leadership.