I FULLY endorse your editorial ‘Yemen conflict expands’ (March 27). The situation is getting worse following Saudi intervention in the internal affairs of Yemen and which also followed by air strikes on the Houthi rebels who are locked in a struggle with their government.

The latest reports suggest that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has decided to jump into the fray ostensibly to pay back for the Saudi hospitality which he enjoyed during his period of exile.

I believe that all the sane and sensible souls in this country are of the firm view that Pakistan’s involvement in what is essentially an internal conflict of Yemen is unwise.

This may also lead to dangerous consequences for the country and the world peace.

Pakistan need not get involved in a sectarian conflict of another country. In the present scenario, no non-Muslim country has invaded any of the two independent countries nor is our sacred places in Saudi Arabia under threat from any such power.

Pakistan should never send its troops to Saudi Arabia for petty monetary benefits. An impression is very much likely to emerge, at home and also internationally, as if our armed forces are mercenaries.

Today, Pakistan’s own territorial integrity is under serious threat from various quarters.

In simple words, Pakistan is fighting a war of its own survival.

Any decision contrary to the supreme national interest and the ground realities may jeopardize country’s independence and sovereignty. We need not become a party in this conflict at all.

Anis Siddiqui

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2015

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