A sensible resolution

The only choice for Pakistan in the Yemen crisis

Finally, the Parliament has formulated a unanimous stand regarding the Saudi request. There was a widespread perception that Nawaz Sharif might not be able to resist the Saudi pressure for dispatch of troops and military assets for participation in the Saudi-led offensive in Yemen. With statements by the PML-F top leadership in support of the Saudi request and Zardari’s call to fight shoulder to shoulder with the Saudi government, many thought the issue was already settled. But this was not to be so.

The Prime Minister called a joint session of Parliament to strengthen his hands. Important parliamentarians from almost all parties strongly opposed the deployment of Pakistani troops in wars initiated by other countries in pursuit of their peculiar agendas. It was maintained that Pakistan was itself engaged in an existential war and could not spare its military assets for action abroad. Another argument was that Pakistan had a national army which should not be seen acting as a mercenary force. Others cautioned that involvement in Yemen could activate the sectarian fault-lines within Pakistan.

A consensus has emerged after a spirited though by and large a one-sided debate that consumed four sittings. A mini minority wanted to go whole hog to meet the Saudi request. Most speakers however maintained that despite Saudi Kingdom being a key ally of Pakistan and the two holiest shrines being the most revered among the Muslim community, Pakistan should help Saudi Arabia protect its territorial integrity only if it ever came under threat. There was a realisation that no threat of the sort was imminent.

The views are reflected in the unanimous resolution which does not allow sending Pakistani troops to take part in the Yemen war. It requires the government to play a diplomatic role in the conflict to stop the bloodshed. It also requires moving the Security Council and OIC to bring about a ceasefire in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, the government has to support all humanitarian initiatives aimed at bringing relief to the people caught in the conflict.