Pakistani PM warns Yemen crisis may endanger unity of Muslim world

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday expressed his serious concern at the deteriorating situation in Yemen and said that it may endanger fellow Muslim countries.

"Beside the loss of innocent lives, the crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world," the Prime Minister said in a meeting with Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad- Javad Zarif, who called on him on the second day of his visit.

The Iranian foreign minister agreed on the need to work toward an early settlement of the conflict and presented his government's perspective on exploring different options for resolving the crisis in Yemen.

The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday on a two-day visit for talks on the Yemen crisis. He called for immediate halt to the airstrikes, intra-Yemeni dialogue, formation of a broad based government and allowing humanitarian aid to the affected people in the war-torn country.

The prime minister expressed the concern of the government of Pakistan on the overthrow of Yemen's legitimate government by non- state actors by use of force, a statement from the PM's office said.

"It was the shared responsibility of all states to refrain from actions that disturb peace and stability in any country," he said, and stressed the need to ponder the ways and means to bring an end to the conflict at the earliest by peaceful means, a statement from the PM office said.

Zarif also met Pakistan Army Chief, Gen. Raheel Sharif on Thursday and discussed "regional security including evolving situation in the Middle East, Pak-Iran border management and defense and security cooperation between both the countries," the military said.

"Iranian foreign minister appreciated achievements of Operation in North Waziristan tribal region and paid rich tributes to Pakistan's sacrifices in bringing peace and stability in the region," a military statement said.

Pakistan says that Saudi Arabia has asked for fighter jets, warships and ground troops as it has continued strikes against the Shiite Houthis.

Pakistani parliament is holding debate to float suggestions how the country respond to request by the Saudi leadership.

Prime Minister Sharif says he will announce Pakistan's policy after the parliament debate.

Lawmakers have supported support to Saudi Arabia if its sovereignty is threatened; however, they have opposed joining the war in the Middle East. Endi