Islamabad, April 12 (IANS) Pakistan’s Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Sunday rejected as “against diplomatic norms” remarks by a UAE minister that Pakistan “will have a heavy price to pay” for its neutral stand in the conflict in Yemen.
The Pakistani parliament has unanimously urged the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to remain neutral in the Yemen conflict.
Saudi Arabia, which is a long-standing ally of Pakistan and has led a coalition to launch airstrikes on Shia Houthis in Yemen, has not yet commented on the parliament resolution. However, the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Gargash condemned the Pakistani decision.
Gargash said Pakistan was required to show a clear stand in favour of its strategic relations with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, as contradictory and ambiguous views on this serious matter will make the south Asian country pay a heavy price.
The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson avoided comments on the statement when the media sought response to the UAE minister.
The interior minister, however, dismissed what he called a ” threatening approach”, Xinhua news agency reported.
“The Pakistani nation has brotherly sentiments for Saudi Arabia and UAE. But the threats by the UAE minister are unfortunate and a matter of concern,” the Pakistani minister said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia has sought Pakistan’s fighter jets, warships and ground troops, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif told parliament after his visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
The Pakistan parliament resolution turned down Riyadh’s request for troops, ships and warplanes, saying: “Pakistan should play a mediating role and not get involved in fighting in Yemen.”
Reports suggest that a Saudi minister is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad to encourage Pakistani leaders to support his country in the conflict.