Islamabad - While asking the government to pursue diplomatic resolution of Yemen issue, major Shiite and Barelvi parties have said that Pakistan should not involve its armed forces in Saudi Arabia’s conflict with Yemen.
“There was no threat to Haramain Al-Sharifain from Houthi rebels and there is no justification to send Pakistani forces to Saudi Arabia,” said the religious parties in a statement. The statement was endorsed by Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT), Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafria (TNFJ), Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), and Shia Ulema Council (SUC) on the initiative of Islamabad Debates, a policy discussion forum.
According to the statement, Haramain Sharifein is equally sacred for all Muslims irrespective of any sectarian affiliations and situation in Yemen does not pose any threat to the sanctity of Haramain Sharifain. It further stated that Pakistan being a leader of the Ummah should help other Muslim countries in resolving their disputes through dialogue instead of getting involved in their conflicts.
The religious leaders said that Pakistan should not make mistake by sending troops to Saudi Arabia and should pursue a diplomatic path for resolution of the dispute. The parties resolved that involvement in “others’ war” could compromise Pakistan’s own fight against terrorism, which required full commitment and undivided attention.
President Islamabad Debates Professor Sajjad Bokhari urged the government to work with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries for providing humanitarian assistance to ordinary Yemenis caught in the conflict. He expressed concerns over civilian casualties in Yemen because of Saudi led coalition airstrikes.
TNFJ Chief Allama Hamid Moosavi said that Ummah should not be made a victim of the fight between Arab and Ajam (non-Arab).
Pakistan Awami Tehrik President Raheeq Abbasi said, “We would be the first to stand up for defence of Haramain Sharifain, if its sanctity is threatened.”