File photo: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s support to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman during a phone call, according to the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office. “While expressing complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership as well as the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister stated that the recent Houthi actions threatened regional peace and security and could further disrupt the global economy and energy supplies,” the Pakistan PMO said. He also said he, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue efforts to reduce tensions and restore peace in West Asia. The Saudi crown prince appreciated Islamabad’s efforts towards peace and stability in the region, according to the PMO statement. He said an unprovoked attack on a member, or the spillover of the conflict in Yemen into Saudi Arabia, could activate the pact’s collective-defence provisions. Foreign ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said, “There is no such thing under discussion right now …
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and expressed hope of meeting soon. However, Pakistan’s foreign ministry later clarified that no military response under the agreement was currently being discussed. When time comes (we) will act under the agreement.”
Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif had said on Wednesday that there should be no ambiguity over the commitment under the arrangement.