Is the decision of nonalignment of Pakistani government on Yemen crisis a courageous maneuver or a naive act of ‘tweedle dee and tweedle dum characters’ of parliament for which a heavy price is yet to be paid?
It was but a surprise for many when PM Nawaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would rather play a proactive diplomatic role in resolving conflict than taking sides on Yemen crisis. It was surprising because the decision had the potential to cause chaos in his personal relations with the Saudis. Everyone knows how cordial relations he has been enjoying with the Saudis on a personal level.
Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see that the government paid heed to the voice of the nation. The country is after all, not ready to be caught, again, in the middle of someone else’ war. The scars of War on Terror in Afghanistan are still fresh, and we continue to pay the price by having to deal with sick psychopaths who call themselves as Taliban. Pakistan cannot afford to open up another frontline for itself which most likely will divide the country on sectarian lines and worst, start a sectarian-based civil war.
We have been fighting a pugnacious battle against terrorism from more than a decadae which has bruised the souls, scalped and destroyed the lives of millions of innocents and the number is increasing day by day. We ourselves are dealing with a fair share of doom and destruction not only internally but externally too (if we also count LOC misdemeanors every now and then by India).
Tactically it was wise of Islamabad to present itself as a peace negotiator and take the seat of mediator rather than be used as the weapon against Houthis rebels.
However recent statement by UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash reveals amenable warning for Pakistan that the time for ally of media and statements is passed and practical steps are needed. They demand indigenous weapons such as jets and navy ships along with troops to wage a war that can help them safeguard the ‘strategically vital Gulf nations’. Otherwise the Sharif brothers will have to pay a heavy price in their ambiguous stand on the matter.
This statement, which is a clear threat and a warning from the intimidated Arab brothers has stirred the minds of many and caused a disturbance within the walls of parliament. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan responded harshly to Mr. Gagash statement and called it an insult to Pakistan and a violation of diplomatic norms.
So does this mean we will see a parting of ways in near future or will we take the leaf out of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan book and propose to escalate the efforts in order to control the deteriorating situation when the time shall come?
Whatever steps the government shall take, one thing that should be kept in mind is that if Pakistan did not play the role demanded by the Saudis in this Game of thrones, then they should brace themselves, for some cocoon of conspiracies will definitely be spun in order to sabotage whatever peace that is left within the boundaries of “Green nation”.