In a statement issued Sunday, the civil society representatives have urged the government to refrain from military involvement in Yemen.
“The government of Pakistan reiterated its intention to protect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), however, the sole purpose of the current Saudi-led Arab military coalition is aggression against Yemen. KSA has formally asked Pakistan for boots on the ground, fighter jets in the air and naval ships on the water to protect its Royal Family.
Still grievously suffering from the wounds of our past mercenary services, e.g. the bombing of Palestinian refugees in Jordan (Black September 1970), Pakistan has learned no lessons. Killing Yemenis is inhuman, immoral, and a plainly visible disaster in the offing, which will push back Pakistan and the entire region by hundreds of years,” the statement read.
“Why is the government becoming so reckless on the Yemen issue, which the civil society feels it should not touch with a barge pole? Pakistan is bending over backwards to comply with the self-seeking desires of the House of Saud. Many people feel that we are also fabricating false narratives that easily outdo those in George Orwell’s 1984. There are at least six falsehoods being used to mislead the people of Pakistan,” the statement explained, continuing as below:
“First: We must aid KSA because it is a brotherly Muslim country. Why does the civil society deliberately remain silent on the fact that Yemen is also a Muslim country? If brotherhood is based on being Muslim, then all Muslim countries should be our brothers.
Second: Propagating the impression that Yemen is attacking KSA. The truth is the opposite. KSA and its Arab allies are attacking and bombing Yemen, not vice versa.
Third: Intentionally creating wrong perceptions about three completely different entities: KSA, House of Saud and the Muslim holy sites: Mecca and Madina. The fact is: there is absolutely no danger to the holy sites, except from KSA itself.
Fourth: Advocating that it is in Pakistan’s national interest to support KSA.
Fifth: Emphasizing KSA’s friendship and favours to Pakistan. The fact is that KSA heavily funds violent extremist jihadi groups and fights its proxy wars with Iran in Pakistan. Yemen does not.
Sixth: The civil society feels that stating that Pakistan’s international prestige and status will go up because of its involvement in the Saudi-led war. The fact is that Pakistan will be further ridiculed as an insane country that is willing to rent out its armed forces when its own house is on fire.”
