Pakistani delegation arrives in S. Arabia for talks over Yemen crisis

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to hold talks over the ongoing crisis in Yemen.

The delegation was received by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq, a spokesman for the Pakistan embassy in Riyadh told Dawn.com.

Senior officials from the foreign office (FO) and three armed forces personnel were also part of the delegation that departed Islamabad for Riyadh through a special aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sought guidance from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before departure to the Saudi capital and held a brief meeting with members of his delegation at Chaklala Airbase.

Also read: Pakistan will not participate in conflict that divides Muslim Ummah: Khawaja Asif

"Yes, the delegation headed by the defence minister is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia," FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told DawnNews.

The Pakistani delegation will meet Saudi Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi Defence Minister in Riyadh besides meeting other high-ranking Saudi officials for discussion over the crisis in Yemen.

Take a look: Nawaz assures Saudi King Salman of Pakistan Army support

The delegation is also expected to meet the leadership of Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the possibility of enabling a truce in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and its allies last week launched air strikes in Yemen against Houthi fighters, who have tightened their grip in the southern city of Aden where the country's president had taken refuge.

Read: Yemen conundrum

Pakistan is a regional ally of Saudi Arabia, the main Sunni Muslim power in the Gulf, but has yet to commit itself publicly to military support to Riyadh's campaign in Yemen.

A security official had earlier told Reuters that there would be no decision on joining the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen before the delegation's visit to Riyadh.

Read: No decision on joining military campaign in Yemen before KSA visit: official

“Pakistan will extend all support to Saudi Arabia if the country's security is threatened,” Asif earlier told a seminar in Lahore.

Moreover, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a telephone call with Saudi King Salman on Saturday, offered “all potentials of the Pakistan army”, media quoted the Saudi Press Agency as saying.

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Sandeep

Mar 31, 2015 01:28pm

Pakistan again fishing in troubled waters.

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M. Asghar

Mar 31, 2015 01:36pm

Pakistan has to play a mediating role and nothing more.

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khanm

Mar 31, 2015 01:42pm

Those who are not capable of resolving any issues at home, are going abroad to resolve what!!!!! is any one's wild guess..

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Hamid

Mar 31, 2015 01:43pm

Not for talks but to get orders about how much pak troops will be thrown to other issues.

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AMV Houston

Mar 31, 2015 01:47pm

Please tell those Arabs we all Muslim, save the fight and resource for better things. And for NS, we know you have lot of investment in Saudi Arabia, for god sake don't screws the nation of 180 million for your personal gains

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niroj

Mar 31, 2015 01:48pm

This war does not have an outcome. Pakistan should refrain itself in taking sides.

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nwa

Mar 31, 2015 01:58pm

What for ???, the decision already taken.

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Anwar

Mar 31, 2015 01:58pm

Iran and US both are decisive and are on same line to destroy Muslim world examples are Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and now Yemen. Be aware of them. Publicly they denounce each other but consequences of Iraq and Afghanistan war showed what they both were spicing up together. If not all then most of the militant groups submerged after Iranian revolution. Tehran is not deliberate about its interfering into other countries affairs. US then picked up all hostile forces those led by Iran for example Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.

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Mar 31, 2015 02:00pm

Saudi news papers today have already announced a deal. This visit is nothing but a PR stunt. Pakistan is making decisions which will adversely affect its future

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Merchant

Mar 31, 2015 02:11pm

We should make it clear that Pakistan has no responsibility in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. We have enough internal sectarian and religious troubles of our own of which Saudi Arab is responsible for few.

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Mauman M

Mar 31, 2015 02:11pm

I wish Pakistan would resolve their own internal crisis with wisdom before acting as big brothers. Knowing the ME mentality, this will end up as being a futile exercise. But in the meantime, enjoy being treated as royals.

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afzaal

Mar 31, 2015 02:21pm

Pakistan may strive for resolving the current yamen crisis in good faith of the region but in case of threatened of security and sanctity places in Soudia , the Pakistan may active its galvanization military action conspicuously.

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Nasir Khan

Mar 31, 2015 02:23pm

Strange! During all this assessment Yemeni element is totally missing. We do not want to listen to their side of the story. What the delegation will assess is beyond comprehension. May be it is just a formality- the decision has already been taken. "The Independent "- 31st March 2015- Robert Fisk writes "Unprecedented in modern Arab history, a Sunni Muslim coalition of 10 nations – including non-Arab Pakistan – has attacked another Arab nation. The Sunnis and the Shia of the Middle East are now at war with each other in Iraq, in Syria and Yemen. Pakistan is a nuclear power__Listening to the rhetoric of the Saudis, you might think that they were bombing Israel."

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Ali

Mar 31, 2015 02:26pm

Should hold joint talks, which can include Pakistan, Turkey, iran, Saudis

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Anwar

Mar 31, 2015 02:28pm

No country should help any hostile force in this region. Interfering into other countries is norm.

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Asif

Mar 31, 2015 02:29pm

This choice will be made by Army.

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Zak

Mar 31, 2015 02:30pm

@M. Asghar No mediation please let the 2 parties solve this issue among themselves , all other countries should stay away from this issue.

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Viking Star

Mar 31, 2015 02:30pm

What the US and West would have done if any country in Europe or Far East (or even in Africa), with a legitimate govt was thrown out by rebels? Yes, we need to do same. Its NOT about Shia/Sunni - its about throwing rebels out and putting legitimate govt back in place. Why is Iran so concerned? Clearly shows Iran is behind all this.

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Imran

Mar 31, 2015 02:43pm

This is a crucial visit and unless something concrete comes out, the danger of participation by Pakistan in the Saudi-Yemen conflict hangs over like the sword of the Democles. Pakistan should play the role of unifier and not spoiler. This is a political game of gaining regional influence done at the cost of blood and treasure of the ordinary Yemenis. Pakistan should express all out diplomatic and political support to Saudi but any participation by her in the conflict could further exacerbate the ongoing crisis in the Yemen.

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A. Rehman

Mar 31, 2015 02:56pm

yemen conflict....war bewteen saudi and iran....a shame for all muslims

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attahmad

Mar 31, 2015 03:04pm

Pakistan already has lot to do within its territory... we cannot afford another crisis by jumping into war... only mediator role is affordable... nothing more than this...

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Muhammad azam

Mar 31, 2015 03:09pm

pakistan should play a role as arbitrator and faciltatot nt aggrevator of situation....so pakistan should try to bring both the sides on dialogue table to find a political solution of the ongoing conflict....

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Taimoor Khan

Mar 31, 2015 03:18pm

What about Pakistan's security which has been in tatters for more then a decade in which we lost our 50000 citizens? What the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the GCC and Iran has done to help us out in this war of terror? NOTHING!! How come the TTP terror campaign run from Afghansitan against Pakistan is any different to the Houthi perceived threat to SA from neighboring Yemen?

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Sensible Pakistani

Mar 31, 2015 03:20pm

Please be careful in taking decisions, we have already two active borders which is beyond our control now we can not afford an active third border and in case these three join hands what would be our future one can never assume. The other senseless slogan to secure the two harams is baseless as no Muslim country dare ever to threat these Harmain. Only Daiesh and Isra Hell did it so we need to focus on them instead of fooling people.

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Pure Muslim

Mar 31, 2015 03:25pm

if we wanted to move people by ship why Naval Frigates are going there. It need a ferry or Merchant ship why Naval Warships are moving towards Yemen. Isnt there some thing fishy as Pakistani Special Services are also having exercise with Saudiz these days. This thing can be normal if the war is not on agenda

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Mehtab

Mar 31, 2015 03:26pm

Our decisions are changed according to donations we received. We should be ashamed of ourselves that our leaders have no sense of honour and integrity. We don't have choice to see right and wrong. We all know Saudi Arabia has committed aggression against impoverish Yemen yet Egypt and Pakistan join to please their donor. Beggars have always no choice except to follow orders. We have untapped potentials why are we keep compromising our national integrity for the sake of others. Current ruling system has made us impotent. Wake up great people to save this country from slavery.

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Nadeem

Mar 31, 2015 03:38pm

Stay out of this mess please, GOP (and that includes GHQ)

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Mrs.khalil

Mar 31, 2015 03:40pm

We wish our government is as concerned for the Pakistan as it is for others. Mushraf brought America 's war on terror , and know Nawaz sharif want 's to bring saudi 's war. Why always pakistan Have to pay for others. Khwaja Asif is a good choice, he will definitely solve the issue , as he solved Electricity crisis In Pakistan ?????.

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Awais Ali

Mar 31, 2015 03:44pm

Please don,t commit the deployment of Pakistan army in Yemen. Yes if there will be threat to SA,s territorial integrity then we will defend it.

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Azmeen

Mar 31, 2015 03:45pm

Pak should play role of a mediator to reconcile the situation, not of a one-sided player.

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Bostan

Mar 31, 2015 03:52pm

As a Zimbabwean I object

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Avtar

Mar 31, 2015 03:54pm

Pakistani commitment to Saudis is a fait accompli. The obvious question is where all the resources devoted to such an effort are going to come from. Treasury is already stretched due to FATA operation. I guess international donors will take note when Pakistan goes to its next budget planning exercise!

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bauke

Mar 31, 2015 04:03pm

A week PM needs a war to strengthen his power. SA's bombing of Yemen comes to rescue Nawaz, like Ukraine helps Putin. Every leader needs a war to become popular: look at me, I am "the saviour".

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Mahmood

Mar 31, 2015 04:11pm

I am happy that it is a delegation negotiating with Saudies. The delegation is lead by a Civilian. Its not like what Musharraf or Zia did to Pakistan. I hope involving a broad group of decision makers including politicians and reps from all armed forces (and not only the army who alone has done several ventures in past - all marshal laws, cargil and other wars) will make the best decision for the country. I wish good luck to Pakistan, Saudia and Yemen.

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Mian

Mar 31, 2015 04:21pm

@Awais Ali makes sense what you said.

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Imran Bhatti

Mar 31, 2015 04:26pm

are both of them capable enough to stand in front of Saudis and say we are already in this mire. handle it yourself? Asif could not bring any betterment in electricity at national level how could he be able to handle a situation where so many open and hidden powers are active. and other fellow of his, Sartaj Aziz, he is out of date as well. Stay Away From War (SAF-W)

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Maher

Mar 31, 2015 04:26pm

Talks... Yeah we have Mastered in this :)

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Nadeem

Mar 31, 2015 04:32pm

@M. Asghar Dear Sir, no mediating way; we need to take action with Saudi Arabia whatever, consequences are. We are already believed to be untrustworthy; this time is big test of our trustworthyness. we should not waste this opportunity; yes we are friends with KSA and infact we are.

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Reader

Mar 31, 2015 04:37pm

War in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan or Palestine...guess what is common in all these wars? Only Muslims are killing Muslims. What a shame for whole of Muslim Ummah

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jehanzeb

Mar 31, 2015 04:40pm

PM should have called an All Parties' Conference (APC) on this important issue

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lafanga

Mar 31, 2015 04:42pm

For talks? Or more like handing over the keys to the Pak military. The deal is already agreed upon I believe. This is just to show the public that PMLN is tough LOL while behind the scenes Shareef has sold the goods.

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Ash

Mar 31, 2015 04:48pm

all international newspapers are mentioning that Pakistan is part of the ground offensive but our politicians still believe that we the Pakistanis are just fools and still selling the mantra that they still need to decide to join the war or not. Our politicians are not just corrupt but also not very truthful. But as the ordinary Pakistanis have no way of stopping our Political bunch in joining someone else's war so here comes more problems for Pakistan.

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Mar 31, 2015 04:54pm

It has already been decided that we are in. It is only a matter of time, if this escalates we are in for another war, which is not ours.

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V PRAKASH

Mar 31, 2015 04:55pm

Going to Saudi Arabia by assuming as such they already solved all of their internal problems

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farhad

Mar 31, 2015 04:59pm

pakistani govt should have discussed this issue in NA and after a common consensus should have proceeded accordingly. single minded decision is not only dubious but inviting lot of troubles for this sensitive move without having nation's backing.

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Aston

Mar 31, 2015 05:03pm

It is already decided. Why waste money on travelling?

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Gerry dcunha

Mar 31, 2015 05:17pm

Good luck to the team members for taking humanity first in their discussion

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umer

Mar 31, 2015 05:25pm

Asif and sartaj. They are just the part of the delegation for political face saving. Rest the military personnel accompanied will do the talking. please help KSA understand that this offensive will lead Muslims no where. This is disastrous from all perspectives. We need some strong voice from pakistan to convey this message to KSA and at the same time, to Iran and turkey as well.

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Kamal Gupta

Mar 31, 2015 05:27pm

Jumping into a Shia Sunni fight in a third country. When will you learn to look after your own interests?

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Mar 31, 2015 05:29pm

I will encourage everyone to come on the streets of Pakistan to protest if our Generals and government nod 'Yes' to Saudi Arabia

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dillip

Mar 31, 2015 05:34pm

some commentator stated that pakistan should be a mediator. being a mediator you should have some weightage behind you. one is a biggest donor other is powerful neighbor on whom energy needs is dependent. where you cant able to be a neutral because of so much pressure, how can you play as a mediator???

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ganesh

Mar 31, 2015 06:32pm

@Kamal Gupta why you think Pakistan is not looking after their own interest?? Pakistan will get paid handsomely for this service is it not in their interest?? I think Pakistan will actively look for such opportunities where they have potential to earn money

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Democracy

Mar 31, 2015 07:01pm

Please stay away from this conflict. It is a no win situation. Pakistan Government should stop acting as dictators and bring it to national assembly for discussion like any other democratic country.

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Mrs.khalil

Mar 31, 2015 07:15pm

Our government is expert in constituting committees and commissions, if saudi Arabia wants such help , our government is ready for such help

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Hammad

Mar 31, 2015 07:54pm

@Viking Star according to your logic, Pakistan should also send its troops to Syria AND Iraq to quash the rebellion and restore the legitimate govt back in place following the lead from the US and West?

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mirza

Mar 31, 2015 08:30pm

Pakistan has tasted the truth when entered the afghan war now do we really want to think of entreating anything like that I say "HELL NO" tell Arabs please go fight your own war we don't want to be crazy to enter so sorry

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sunny khan

Mar 31, 2015 09:22pm

yemen has become a prestige issue for saudi and iran.iran will today or tomorow become nuke power.if paksends army to fight in yemen against rebels it is equal to fighting against iran.pak may have extra head ache of nuclear india in the east to nuclear iran in the west to sesonal friend/enemy afghanistan coupled with this.in the betterment of its own inetersts pak let stay out of this mess which is no connected to it.

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Zak

Mar 31, 2015 10:25pm

Has anyone noticed. India totally ignored. China informed, US involved, Pakistan, Turkey consulted and help extended. Poor India, not noticed.

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nasik

Mar 31, 2015 10:32pm

Now that the Pakistani delegation has arrived the whole issue will be solved. Thank you Pakistan.

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Jack

Mar 31, 2015 11:53pm

@Nasir Khan Brilliant!

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HAIDER

Apr 01, 2015 12:08am

We Pakistani people enough suffer of this terrorism. No More wars in the name of peace or jehad. Its arab conflict not Pakistani conflict. . Arabs has money and buy security, they have oil. What we have ?.

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Muzaffar Ali

Apr 01, 2015 12:26am

This is wanton aggression against a supposedly sovereign state by 10 other states; against the Charter of UN

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shan

Apr 01, 2015 01:26am

Now its not the time to indulge yourself in someone's else war..

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Raza

Apr 01, 2015 01:27am

Nawaz Shariff on Taliban supported by Saudi: Let's talk to them no matter what they have done to Pakistan Nawaz Shariff on Yemen rebels being bombed by Saudi: We support Saudi in its aggression and violation of sovereign country. In fact, we will soon send our planes and troops to help you do just that. Common denominator: Saudi Arabia

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Shahpur

Apr 01, 2015 01:32am

@Nasir Khan Dawn should publish the Robert Fisk commentary in Independent.

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Gina

Apr 01, 2015 01:45am

I have a feeling that a deal has been finalised and Pakistan's joining the war. Maybe those 8 submarines that the army is purchasing is the price.

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Shahab B Taj

Apr 01, 2015 02:22am

Stop playing the double game. Support Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the maximum. This is no time to make the New King Weak. Let's support the KS A. With no questions asked.

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A shah

Apr 01, 2015 02:51am

None of our business

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MMS

Apr 01, 2015 03:20am

Let the arab problem be a arab problem. Why does Pakistan want to interfere with the problem. If we take sides we will be getting involved in secratarian problems which will eventually backfire.

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mehkan

Apr 01, 2015 03:28am

I am really hoping, like majority of other Pakistanis, that our government does not get itself involved in this! Worried!

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Ayaz

Apr 01, 2015 04:07am

This is all drama .... Pakistani leaders have no self respect...

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joijo

Apr 01, 2015 05:31am

I think the prime minister and the COAS got bonuses from Saudi Arabia and they will be sending the troops soon. Tragedy of our nation

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Muzaffar Ali

Apr 01, 2015 05:59am

Some never learn from history! Adverse Consequences are written all over the place, if only we can "see" them! Late Prime Minister Surahwardy once said zero plus zero makes zero....this coalition is a collection of ten zeros

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Indian

Apr 01, 2015 06:03am

Saudi money vs Iran animosity, weigh out. Saying no to Saudia is not an option, what option is left out? Go and join the war but before that do some drama for domestic consumption. Script already written.

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Nasir Khan

Apr 01, 2015 01:19pm

@Jack -Thanks Please read this link- an excellent assessment of the scenario-by Robert Fisk http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-battle-for-the-middle-easts-future-begins-in-yemen-as-saudi-arabia-jumps-into-the-abyss-10140145.html

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Nasir Khan

Apr 01, 2015 01:21pm

@Shahpur This is the link http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-battle-for-the-middle-easts-future-begins-in-yemen-as-saudi-arabia-jumps-into-the-abyss-10140145.html

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