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Troops already in Saudi Arabia, says minister
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change and PML-N’s information secretary Senator Mushahidullah Khan said on Friday that a large number of Pakistani troops were already in Saudi Arabia to protect holy places.
“Our troops are already present in Tabuk and some other cities of Saudi Arabia,” he said at a press conference at the PML-N secretariat.
He said Pakistan would not send its army to Yemen and its troops would protect the territorial limits of Saudi Arabia and holy places which “is our religious responsibility”.
Also read: Parliament calls for neutrality in Yemen conflict
He said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had also said that a number of Pakistan Army personnel were in Saudi Arabia.
Replying to a question, Senator Khan said: “Being a large Muslim country and a nuclear state Pakistan has to intervene in this sensitive matter, otherwise the Muslim world will blame Pakistan for acting as a silent spectator.
“We have fought two Americans wars but this time it is the issue of our time-tested friend and holy places.”
Talking about a resolution on the matter unanimously adopted by parliament on Friday, the PML-N leader praised the role of all parliamentary parties and said they had acted positively on the sensitive issue.
He said Pakistan was nowhere near Saudi Arabia in terms of military strength but even then it had been asked to provide aircraft, warships and troops. “Saudi Arabia’s defence spending for the current fiscal year is said to be of over $82 billion and last year it was $62bn.”
He said Saudi Arabia had adequate resources for its own defence.
Replying to a question about Iran’s alleged role in the civil war in Yemen, he said: “Pakistan wants to maintain relations with all neighbours and friends on the basis of equality.”
He said every state had its own interest and the role of the United States in the situation was still uncertain.
“Until yesterday it was being said that the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline will not be allowed but today no-one talks about it,” he said.
Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2015
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Comments (103) Closed
I'm always curious about the views of fellow Pakistanis who insist on defending these Saudi "brothers" in the event if an attack on the holy sites...how do you think the Saudi family took control of Makkah and Medinah in the first place? With rose petals and feather dusters?
Hasan
if iran attack pakistan i doubt saudi troops for pakistan..you ppl are behaving like slaves..they have more money n better military capability than pakistan..if it was poor country then it was ok to fight for them..but not some rich country
KSA should be defended at all cost while maintaining close brotherly relations with Iran...
Pakistanis will never know what the truth is...this is typical Pakistani style, one says we will not intervene and other claimed that troops are already in KSA. Lie, contradiction and deception
So what is the relevance of parliament if large number of troops have already been sent to Saudi Arab? And what is the threat to the holy places which are thousands of kilometers, if not miles, away from the fighting zone? Finally, since when it became the sole responsibility of Pakistan (of all the Muslim countries in the world) to defend SA ? Yes, this is a difficult situation but can't Govt think of a better rationale to protect our interests. After all this is more of a power struggle in Yemen than a serious threat to the holy land.
Saudis have more planes and they need people who can fly that..They need either an American or Pakistani to fly the F-16s
Good luck & All the best!. So easy to fool the people & why did the law makers waste so much precious time debating, when it was known the troops were already on the ground !.I guess Pakistani public are naive!.
“Being a large Muslim country and a nuclear state Pakistan has to intervene in this sensitive matter, otherwise the Muslim world will blame Pakistan for acting as a silent spectator"
and where were the Muslim states when PK was in need and when did the Muslim world blame them for not helping? Please don't try to fool us with rubbish excuses we all know well that money is pouring in your pockets in exchange for the poor troops.
We are not obligated to defend Saudi Arabia a nation that treats average hardworking Pakistanis like trash. We maybe a nuclear nation but we behave like slaves to Arabs. Time to grow up. Say no to Saudi Arabia. Say no to Yemen.
Is the minister suggesting SA army is so incompetent that even with western supplied modern warefare it cannot defend it's territorial integrity?
What's the difference?
Who are you defending the holly sites from? Do you seriously think any Muslim, of whatever stripe, would damage these places? If the powers of the world wanted to harm these places a few thousand Pakustani troops would make no difference against a combined aerial and sea-launched assault. So come home and do your "religious duty". Remember charity begins at home.
Pakistan political establishment should have some respect for themselves.
Problem in Yemen and Pakistan sending its troops to Saudi Arabia.. Good to see Pakistan activeness
Pakistan didn't fight in the Gulf War. The Army showed up and never left Saudi Arabia. No active Pak army divisions I remember saw combat in Afghanistan. Pakistan should have military advisers in Saudi Arabia. What else would they be doing? Watching the war on television? Pakistan doesn't want it's army prepared? They may be needed to stop thirty thousand cinema burners on the rampage in Punjab.
Did Saudia asked Pakistan before attacking Yemen? It is not our obligation to protect dictotarial rule in Arab Lands.
Really? Well, call those soldiers back to Pakistan then. Pakistan Army are not mercenaries.
And we believe you that these soldiers will not go to Yemen because as of now only air strike is on.
We fought one religious war against the Soviets in Afghanistan - we are still paying for it dearly. Please no more religious wars beyond our borders more over...
Wise decision of Pakistan State, no need to fight for others, stay away from conflicts for a peaceful world. Well done Pakistan.
Excuse me Senator Mushahidullah Khan, you claim the Nawaz govt. is sending troops to KSA to protect our holy sites, so the Yemeni are now "kafirs"? One Muslim nation doesn't need to "protect" holy sites from fellow Muslims like the Yemenis who if anything go above and beyond their powers to protect Islam's most important holy sites which you Sir should be fully aware of.
Please don't make fools out of us, verily we know what you do ....
"Minister for Climate Change" to comment on this topic is really interesting. While the Minister of Defence will comment on Climate Change I suppose...
This fighting happening within Yemen. There is nothing happening in Saudi Arabia. Also, since all the parties in conflict are followers of Islam, how they can damage the holy places?
The entire world knows this fact, except the poor citizens of Pakistan ... :-(
Why did it take three weeks to tell the truth? Why could they not tell these facts in the Parliament?
Pakistan is a nuclear power so it has to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthis in Yemen. Houthis are traditional enemies of Islam and fight against Muslim world and Pakistan has a duty to protect Saudis failing which Islamic world will blame Pakistan of failing in its duty. What an imagination? First protect your country.
@Dr Yahya , this is a strange country where the government does not have a single spokesman and each member speaks his mind to gain personal glory.
Really??? Now are there any more troops left to protect the country, its people???
Let's examine power of game of capitalistic bloc on the ashes of poor nations
@Dr Yahya ...hahaha thats what i was thinking whats going on
@Dr Yahya Its Global POlitical Climate Changes which confuse everyone.....
Yemanis are also Muslims. They were Muslims long before Hindu converted Muslims like in India and Pakistan. Yemen had companions of Holy Prophet. They hold Harmim Sharif in much regard no less than Pakistani Government. I woder how parliament and Nawaz Sharif suspect that Yemanis will somehow violate the sanctity of holy places. The unanimously passed resolution is being interpreted as if territorial integrity of Saudia is measured by threats to imperialism. Integrity is definitely lacking here.
But what about IK?
The civilian Government of Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Army are on the same page in respect of KSA demand of help but still people think that the present strategy to remain neutral in the ongoing war and also to help SA militarily at the same time, when needed, can be disastrous to Pakistan. The game of " Hide and Seek " can be managed with the illiterate masses of Pakistan domestically but to play the same in the arena of International Diplomatic Forum can expose your Fault lines.
It is legitimate to send troops to yemen, because the rebels are fighting against the government, i do not understand the myth, if iran can send fighters to iraq,syria and lebanon on the request of their government, why cant pakistan send troops to yemen, infact, yemeni president requested for the help so now it is legitimate, i am not talking in the context of saudi arabia vs iran , but if one country can does that, why cant others? Pakistan should send its troops where necessary, to restore yemeni government
Pakistan is stuck between a rock and a hard place situation in the country is not safe and yet it's being pressured to send troops to fight proxy wars,and leaders have always given in to this kind of pressure remember soviet invasion of Afghanistan still we are unable to break loose,so best not to get involved.
what an irony,
Senator Khan said: “Being a large Muslim country and a nuclear state Pakistan has to intervene in this sensitive matter, otherwise the Muslim world will blame Pakistan for acting as a silent spectator.
What about Palestine, What about the Rohani Muslim getting murder by the Buddhist in Burma .
The Fact is Saudi Arabia has bought Pakistan and we are only following orders! Very Disappointing!
Who is attacking the holy sites. If they ( KSA ) are referring to Mecca and Madina, they are lying. No Muslim will ever destroy ( God forbid ) holy cities. Pakistani politicians are playing game. Nation should keep an eye on them.
@Dr Yahya
Very well said
Please Call Our Troops Back.Deploy them in our troubles areas
"protection of territorial limits of Saudi Arabia and holy places “is our religious responsibility”". Absolutely right!
Pakistani troops are in Saudi Arabia to protect the holy sites? Has Yemen attacked Saudi Arabia or is it the other way around. I think the minister does not have the guts to tell the Pakistani people that when the master calls the servants respond. Pakistan has become a country of goons for hire.
@Zain we are winning that one. Foreign funded terrorists are screaming for mercy.
Ridiculous! Does it mean that with all the sophisticated armoury and wealth, Saudi's are still incapable in defending it's own borders or fighting wars? Why start this conflict in the first place? Saudi's request for war ships, aircrafts troops is laughable & a joke. Cant' they afford it themsleves? The main reason / truth is that they value it's own citizen and weaponary much more than they do Pakistans. They are busy in their luxurious palaces enjoying their lives and expecting others to fight their war. Why haven't they asked US!!!
Excellent and straight forward strategy by Pakistan.
We should also protect our holy places in Yemen,mecca and madina,but we need not to protect Saudi Royal family
Send troops to protect saudi royal family.
This is a very serious & sensitive issue, while we have our big brother on one side we have our younger brother on the other side. Pakistan enjoys a unique position in between. Pakistan's stand of not becoming a direct party to this conflict should be understood well & appreciated. Pakistan has made it very clear that in case of any aggression on the soil of Saudi Arabia it will automatically respond militarily, this is enough to give a clear message that although Pakistan is restraining but this restrain will only last until only first aggression on Saudi soil. In the current situation Pakistan can & will provide all military help to KSA except direct on ground offensive in Yemen. The street fighters should not take Pakistan's position lightly, any adventure & automatic triggering will come into motion.
Has our Minister for Climate Change ever spoken regarding implications of climate change for the country but he seems always keen to speak about all other topics. Please have a pity on this poor nation.
But Saudi Arab is the aggressor and intervene in Yemen. No one is attacking holy places so come on men...
There is a huge contradiction of words and actions on the part of Government of Pakistan. The timings of joint military exercises namely, “Al- Samsam 5″ of Pakistan and KSA in the southern parts of kingdom may give birth to suspicions, especially after the reports of casualities during the exercises. Pakistan should immidiately call back the troops dispatched for training. In addition to that, rueters reported that Pakistan committed 15 fighter planes for saudi intervention. Government should clarify its position instead of taking decision behind the doors and in-camera meetings.
So what was the whole drama of 5 days in parliament?
@GREEN JAGUAR its not religon its politics war in yemen
@rav One they don't have F-16s and Two they are very good pilots of a very well equipped air force. They just need a grand military alliance to avoid any repercussions from the international community and countries like Pakistan to return their years long favors. Sending troops to fight is no big deal but Pakistan wants to avoid unnecessary bloodshed in an unjust war. If Pakistan was truly an evil state then it wouldn't hurt to hold a foreign ground at some one else's expense (Especially a country that serves as a choke point to Red Sea).
Climate change minister seems to have misunderstood his portfolio as ummah political climate change ministry
A new opportunity for strategic extension, what's the wait.
The Americans set the trap and we have fallen for it without thinking.
Lage Raho bahiyo
It is not Pakistan's war.
When do we get all the facts? Need to hear from the COAS
Pakistan is doing a mistake to get involved in this war...Situation is very bad in the middle East.. Syria and Iraq are already a mess..Now they are destroying Yemen...Houthis unlike Islamic State, haven't done any atrocities against the people...Peace negotiations and a unity government is the need of the hour in Yemen...
As a Minister for Climate change why Mr. Mashahidullah is touching a very sensitive issue. Only Foreing Minister which we do not have should be the one to say on such issues.Now Mr. Sartaj Aziz as an adviser can speak on this issue. PML-N is governing in a very amusing manner. A statement from Railway Minister on this issue will not be a surprise too.
Thats the real climate Change. I am happy at least once we gave the priority to Pakistan. This is due to a positive Army, A good Media, A Sensible Democracy and a Muslim Thought. Thankyou PAKISTAN
@Abdulla Hussain You are very correct; this is a very very serious and sensitive issue and all ministers are posing themselves as expert on foreign affairs; even our PM has asked for guidelines from Parliament.He is himself making this issue as a light matter. Any bad decision can risk the stay of overseas Pakistanis. PM should act fast and visit all the concerned countries before it is too late. Unfortunately we do not have any Foreign Minister.
Didnt God say He would protect places?
@rav Saudi's have British Tornados, European EF Typhoon and American F-15, none of which Pakistan has. So Pakistani Pilots cannot fly them for Saudi. You cannot just jump into one of these planes and start flying them. You have to go through a fighter conversion program to be qualified to fly each type. Its just not like jumping from one car into another.
@IMTIAZ SYED Please clarify the first two and half sentences of your comment regarding Hindus converting Muslims.It will be very interesting reading.
Yes, for KSA territorial integrity we can do anything. Interestingly all Arab countries spend hell of money to buy arms and ammunition but unfortunately they do not how to operate them. Thats why USA and west sell them anything they ask knowing this incapability factor, whereas they wont' supply any such thing to Pakistan.
As expected Pakistani parliament took status quo as decision which was expected. Now SA is likely to cut down on the aid given to Pakistan. End of the day in todays world only the very underprivileged countries beg. Everyone else stands on their own feet. If Pakistan is able to do it, nobody will dictate terms to it.
@Ahmed USA n how do you suggest we do it?
Can some body ask this man to SHUT UP
@Ahmed USA No,No and No.
Why don't they ask India for troops!!
@Ahmed USA Easier said than done !
@GREEN JAGUAR Well said, Muslim sights cannot be in Danger from Muslims. No need for any troops in KSA. Wise decision Pakistan, thank you GeneralRaheel sharif
@Ahmed USA : Why should Pakistan send its troops to KSA - just because KSA puts alms in their begging bowl. All the reports states that there will be a tough time ahead for Pakistan from the Gulf partners. Time to watch and show some restrain.
How do we know that Nawaz Shareef is not playing a game with the nation? His daughter is married off to the so called royals in KSA, they are and will twist NS's arm until he commits. He should resign before he caves in under pressure.
We should not have any Pakistani troops at all in Saudi Arabia!
@Dr Yahya hahaha so true...absolutely agreed!
Excuse me, but there are no holy sites in Riyadh. And, by the way, was terrotorial integrity of this region safe from the hands of Saud family during the days of ottomons?
Iran symbolizes our cultural past, Saudi, our cultural demise! Choose your muse wisely!
@Nav - exactly sir
Pakistan has no religious responsibility to protect anything in Saudi Arabia.
@Asim Iqbal it every Muslims religious responsibility but tell me one thing aren't.Saudis. Man can't they fight I think they r enough for it.
@Sal . Evidently you are not aware of what is going on in Yemen. Iran has been training Houthis for years to rebel against the majority Sunni government in Yemen. Iranian planes bring Arm supplies to Houthis on daily basis. Houthi's next target is Saudi Arabia and they are already firing on Saudi guards on the border posts. After capturing the cities, the first thing the Houthis do is take over the Masajids and replace the Imams with Shia Imams. Millions of Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia and send millions of dollars of remittances back home. Saudi Arabia helps Pakistan when Pakistan is in financial trouble. If we don't help SA when they ask for help, you are running the risk of becoming an unreliable ally and Pakistan will pay a heavy price not only in SA but in all the other gulf state partners.
@Larkanavi Pakistan has bases in Saudia. It has nothing to do with Yemen.
@Ahmed USA Yeh! Okay smart guy how is that possible?
SA and UAE have put pakistan in a very Odd position by demanding Pakistan to take their side. First if we are brother, then brothers do not put brothers in this type of situation. It's not like they are asking to sell some arms or give some $$. They are asking to send our troops in to another friendly country. They have never supported us against India openly. Matter of fact they all have better relations with India than they have with Pakistan. Anyways, My suggestion IS: Pakistan and SA should sign a war pact. If any country ever attack either one of us it would be consider as attack on the other (both). In this way our enemies will never dare to attack either one of us ever.
What is the relevance of parliamentarian meeting if Pakistani troops are already in Saudia? Why they wasted so much time of lawmakers if decision has been taken against wishes and suggestions of elected members. What is objective of such exercise& what is the need for democracy if decisions are taken by corrupt PML N dictators. When and why those troops were sent to Saudia with out telling Pakistani nation? Provide us any genuine threat to holy places? We are hearing these false claims of threat for ages but there is no actual threat to those holy places as no Muslim whether Yemeni, Syrian, Iraqian or Iranian is going to harm those places. None of those groups ever desecrated graves, mosques, churches etc. Why would they harm holy Kabaa or Nabvi mosque? Does that make any sense??
The false propaganda that the Holy places are in danger is created just to gather stupid Muslim forces to defend world's most corrupt, oppressive and repressive tyrant dynasty of Al Saud. There is no danger to holy places at all. In fact no one is in danger truly except Al Saud hegemony & their puppet gulf monarchs and their desire to slave people for another century. By attacking poor inhabitants of their neighbouring states the Al Saud dynasty is just inserting last nail in their coffin.
@Ahmed USA and how exactly would you achieve both
We may maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia , especially protecting the holy places. The enemies are trying explore ourweaknesses.
@Dr Yahya How very apt!
@Sara Ally Qureshi . Does SA provides financial help and jobs to millions of Indians like Pakistan? Do you have any jobs waiting for the Pakistanis if they are kicked out from SA/Gulf states. How you going to pay your bills without remittances from SA/Gulf. It appears you are not thinking about the consequences of not helping a muslim ally.
@Hasan irrespective of how they gained control,they have maintained it well
@why should Iran attack Pakistan.Yemen is not part of Iran.Saudis have helped Pakistan in past,and Iran?
@khan bingo, that's Pakistan and Pakistanis in a nutshell.
@Dr Yahya welcome to democracy, Pakistani style.
Parliament resolution is just an eye wash. Wait and see.
I wonder what Senator Khan is talking about. What Muslim world he is talking about? Where is it? Not just Pakistan. There are over 1.5 billion; majority non-Arab. They should try to work for peace between the parties. Islam stand for peace and not killing each other. Muslim need tolerance to live peacefully together.
@Hasan brother another thing then you should answer that how did recent regime of Iran took control of Iran from Iranian shah in the first place ? With rose petals and feather dusters? Thing is, both Saudis and Iranians came up by doing the same things so why blame a single side. We support both but not against one another.
Pakistan should not get involved in this war. The Saudis would never come to save us if we needed them. And use should stop jumping and giving us threats unnecessary. We build your country if they need to be reminded. From emirates airlines to making big tall buildings they want our people to work for them while they sit in the air conditioned rooms. I hope and pray parliament keeps its stance and stays out of this mess. We have too many problems to handle ourselves within the country. Because in the end they are Pakistanis and have to live here these Arab countries don't let ppl stay in their countries for long. So think about your own ppl government of Pakistan and be brave. The uae minister can go fight himself.
When will the Saudis use their planes against ISIS ??
Today's Saudi Arabia was Hijaz and Nejd, Abdul Wahab, head of Salafis had his daughter marry head of Saud family. Why a country with Holy places is named after a family with checkered past, and not called Islamic Emirate of Arabia or Islamic Emirate of UAE, think very hard.