- PM to begin series of foreign trips in 48 hours to work with allies towards resolution of Yemen conflict
- Stranded Pakistanis in Yemen reach Aden to get evacuated by Chinese naval ship to Djibouti
As coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia continue to pound Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen, all eyes are on Pakistan which is still indecisive over the issue of sending its troops to the war-hit region on the Saudi Kingdom’s call for military assistance.
However, starting from Turkey, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is due to begin a series of foreign trips over the conflict in Yemen in the next 48 hours to gather support for a peaceful resolution of Yemen conflict.
According to government sources, PM will meet the Turkish leadership to take them into confidence about Pakistan’s policy on Yemen conflict. The premier will offer Turkey to work together to deal with the crisis, sources said, adding that the government wanted to work together towards a solution with the support of allies.
The government sources further said that the government is with Saudi Arabia but wanted to resolve the Yemen conflict peacefully. Whatever role Pakistan decides to play, it will be to obtain positive results for the Muslim world on a foreign front, sources said.
SO HOW WAS THE VISIT?
In the meanwhile, a Pakistani delegation has returned home from Saudia and is expected to brief PM Sharif following which the decision to send troops will be made by the country’s leadership.
The Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif held meetings with high-ranked Saudi officials including Defence Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud late on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Yemen.
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 Middle East.
In the same context, and to facilitate early resolution of the crisis and to promote peace and unity of the Muslim Community, the PM would be contacting the leadership of brotherly countries.
Pakistan will also call upon the United Nations, OIC, and the international community to play a constructive role in finding a political solution to the crisis.
STILL STRANDED:
Meanwhile, stranded Pakistanis in Yemen on Wednesday reached Aden from various places to get evacuated by Chinese Naval ship to Djibouti.
Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam confirmed that Pakistanis who reached Aden will be evacuated by Chinese Naval ship to Djibouti. Later, they will be flown to Pakistan by PIA’s special flight.
“The immigration process of over 200 Pakistanis is underway in a local hotel in Aden to board them on Chinese naval ship,” said sources.
Pakistan Naval ship dispatched to evacuate Pakistanis from Aden is on its way and is expected to dock in the open sea near Aden tomorrow, she added.
According to details, the Pakistanis gathered in Aden will be lifted through small boats from the port and will be shifted to the vessel for their onward journey to Karachi. The second PIA plane will leave for Djibouti this evening to bring back Pakistanis stranded in Yemen.
According to Civil Aviation Division spokesperson, the airbus will return back to Karachi tonight with 200 Pakistanis from Djibouti.
