Story Highlights
Pakistan on Yemen Crisis
Parliament’s resolution on Pakistan’s neutral role in Yemen war sparked strong reaction from Arab leaders who called it unexpected and disappointing. Following the resolution, leaders at Arab League showed disappointment with its decision, while leaders of Gulf stated and Saudi Arabia also strongly criticized Pakistan. Pakistan also reacted strongly over this criticism as Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan termed the statements disrespectful to Pakistan and its people, particularly the statement of UAE minister in which he threatened Pakistan of “grave consequences”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to issue a policy statement on Yemen crisis in a bid to ease the tension between two countries. In his statement, on Monday, prime minister made it clear that Pakistan did not abandon its friends and long term strategic partners especially at a time when their security was under threat. He also assured Saudia and Gulf countries that Pakistan will continue to support Arab countries and strengthen the bond of friendship. Prime minister also made it clear that parliament’s resolution was taken in a wrong perspective as resolution categorically stated that any violation of the Saudi territorial sovereignty would evoke a strong reaction from Pakistan. He also said that Pakistan would intensify its diplomatic efforts in consultation with the leadership of Saudi Arabia to resolve Yemen crisis.
In a recent development, a high-level delegation led by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif reached Jeddah on Wednesday to meet Saudi leadership to give assurance that Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the ongoing Yemen crisis.
MQM in Trouble
Earlier this week, London Police questioned Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain over money-laundering allegations while Altaf Hussain has already denied involvement in any sort of illegal activity. However, according to party, Altaf Hussain had returned to a central London police station for a scheduled interview with detectives, and was released on bail until July. Following the investigation, MQM chief said his hands are clean and he is determined to deal with the situation.
Meanwhile a suspect accused in the murder of MQM leader Imran Farooq, under the Anti-Terrorism Act, has been arrested from Karachi. Moazam Ali, who allegedly facilitated Imran Farooq’s murder, was produced before the Anti Terrorism Court on Tuesday. MQM leader was murdered outside his London home in Green Lane on September 16, 2010. British detectives have made a number of arrests but no one has yet been charged with his murder
Commenting on the arrest of Moazzam Ali, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar told media that according to the investigation, the suspect had provided all the logistical and financial support to the two killers and done all the banking transactions on their behalf. A joint investigation team (JIT) is to be formed to probe the case.
War Against Terror
Military operation, Zarb-e Azb, against militants continues in tribal areas of Pakistan as at least 10 terrorists were killed by security agencies on Sunday near the border with Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a US drone strike killed four suspected Taliban militants in North Waziristan the same day. According to media reports, two missiles were fired at a house in heavily forested Shawal valley in North Waziristan in which Four Taliban fighters were killed.
Meanwhile at least 13 members of banned Baloch Liberation Front, including a commander, were killed and several others sustained injures on Monday in an operation in Turbat by security forces, a day after 20 labourers belonging to Punjab and Sindh provinces working on an under-construction bridge in the same area were gunned down. The BLF had claimed responsibility for the carnage while an FIR was registered against BLF chief Dr Allah Nazar and spokesman Guahram Baloch. Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Balochistan on Wednesday where he met Chief Minister Balochistan to discuss security situation in the province. Army chief warned foreign intelligence agencies against trying to de-stabilise Pakistan by supporting terrorists in Balochistan province. General Raheel also met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed ways to restore peace in Balochistan.
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