Pakistan reviewing Saudi request for military aid: PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the parliament on Tuesday that Pakistan will respond to a request for military assistance by Saudi Arabia after the parliament concludes debate on the crisis in Yemen.

Shariif's remarks came a day after Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the kingdom has sought fighter jets, warships and ground troops from Pakistan as the Saudi-led Arab allies continued airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The prime minister said his government will make a decision on the Saudi Arabia's request in line with the recommendations of the lawmakers.

The government has summoned the joint session of the parliament exclusively on a debate about Pakistan's possible role in the Yemen conflict.

Sharif described Saudi Arabia as a best friend of Pakistan and reiterated all support to the kingdom if its sovereignty is threatened. However he said there was currently no threat to Saudi Arabia.

"What our friends need us we have kept it in mind. You should guide us. We will stand with Saudi Arabia if there is any threat to it. But there is no threat at the moment," the prime minister said when the House continued a debate on the Yemen crisis for the second day.

Political leaders have opposed joining the Arab conflict as Pakistan still suffers because of jumping into the war in Afghanistan, in reference to former President Pervez Musharraf's decision to offers military bases to the United States.

"The MPs should give advice as to how we respond to request by Saudi Arabia," Sharif said, insisting the government will adopt a policy after listening to the members of parliament.

Sharif informed the House that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will send his foreign minister to Islamabad to brief on his recent visit to Iran. Endi