ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Thursday assured the National Assembly that Pakistan would not become part of any conflict between two Muslim Countries.
“In case of any issue with third Muslim Country, Pakistan will not become a party but it will play mediating role and sanctity of resolution adopted in joint session of parliament will be ensured,” Asif said in the House while responding to an adjournment motion submitted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers to discuss Pakistan’s membership of the 41-nation Saudi military alliance.
The minister said that the resolution adopted during the joint session of Parliament to stay out of the war in Yemen would be followed but protection to territory of Saudi Arabia would be ensured.
The defence minister said that the alliance has not been formed yet as the countries have only discussed the matters. He said that there would be next meeting of all the countries to be involved in the alliance in May 2017 following which the formal alliance might be formed.
Khawaja Asif assured the House to discuss Terms of Reference (TORs) in the parliament formed in the meeting.
The minister said that former Army Chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif might apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC) after the announcement of formal alliance and his application to lead this alliance would be processed as per rules of Ministry of Defence. He said that TORs, terms of engagements and contours of the alliance, whenever defined would be placed before the House.
