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Pakistani defence minister says Saudi seeks fighter planes, ships, troops

Xinhua, April 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, told the parliament on Monday that Saudi Arabia has sought fighter aircraft, warships and troops as the Saudi-led Arab allies have continued airstrikes against Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen. "Saudi Arabia has asked for combat planes, warships and soldiers,"Asif, who recently visited Saudi Arabia, said the parliament will decide whether the country should extend military support.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened the special session of the parliament to discuss the Yemen crisis amid reports that Pakistan has already sent troops and fighter planes to Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Ministry has dismissed such reports. "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif believes the subject merits in- depth discussion to help the government make the right decision on the crucial issue,"the defence minister said in a written statement.

The joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate opened debate on the issue and will suggest Pakistan's role.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Muhammad Sadiq, who presided over the session, adjourned the House for a few hours to enable the prime minister to attend the proceedings.

The defence minister assured the House the prime minister would attend the evening session.

Leader of the opposition, Syed Khurshid Shah, requested the chairman to adjourn the House until the prime minister returns.

The defence minister told the House that Pakistan wants peaceful solution of the Yemen crisis through political and diplomatic means. "If there is any threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, then Pakistan will play its due role in its defence,"he said.

He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in close liaison with the neighbouring countries and has also visited Turkey in this regard and will also visit other regional countries for more consultations.

Asif also said the Pakistanis stranded in Yemen are being evacuated safely back to home and thanked Saudi Arabia, China and other countries for extending their support for safe evacuation of Pakistanis. Endi