Finance minister says proposed US facility not essential, would provide additional support if secured; Saudi facility extended for "reasonable period".
R4 foreign ministers condemn Houthi attacks and underscore importance of respecting state sovereignty; Dar holds bilateral meetings with Turkish, Egyptian FMs on sidelines of meeting.
Lt Gen Chaudhry says "any actor which threatens peace, stability and security automatically interacts with" the collective deterrence mechanism under Makkah alliance.
The prime minister strongly condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and thanked the Saudi leadership for its longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan.
In 2015, the parliament had decided to “maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict so as to be able to play a proactive diplomatic role to end the crisis”.
On Pakistan's support to Saudi Arabia under Makkah pact, FO spokesperson says "it is now up to the organisation to assess the threat perception and operate in accordance with its own mandate".
Khawaja Asif says only Saudi forces are involved in combat operations against Houthis at present, Pakistani and Turkish forces playing supportive roles.
“Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard the Two Holy Mosques, protect its people and ensure the safety of pilgrims,” FO says.
Says Pakistan bound by an arrangement to defend Saudi Arabia, which means that whatever means are available at our disposal, they will be available to Saudi Arabia also”.
Pakistan’s strategic direction would be wise to recognise that Pakistan’s expanding strategic horizons cannot be divorced from the pressures it confronts at home.
