The Yemen crisis has become a major issue of the world. It’s been many days since Saudi Arabia and its allies started aerial strikes on Houthi rebels inside Yemen. The important fact, however, is that both countries are Muslims. According to the Islamic view point, Muslims should not fight with each other. However, if two Muslims are fighting, it becomes the duty of other Muslims to not be a party to that fight but act as facilitators in solving that issue.
On 25th march, ten countries including Saudi Arabia attacked Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia requested Pakistan that it also become a part of the coalition against those rebels. Understandably, it was a hard choice to make with far-reaching effects on the future discourse of Pakistan.
The initial problem Pakistan had to face was that of evacuating its nationals who were stranded in Yemen and desperately needed help. Pakistan’s declaration of joining the coalition would certainly have put the lives of those hundreds of Pakistani nationals in jeopardy. Hence, as a first priority the government of Pakistan sent its planes to Yemen to evacuate its nationals and bring them back home.
In the next stage, the joint session of the parliament pondered over Saudi Arabian request of Pakistan’s joining the coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen. A joint declaration was passed after five days of deliberation which said that Pakistan should remain neutral on this issue and act as facilitator.
The government however said that if there was any danger to Holy places or to the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia then Pakistan will respond with full might.
Pakistan’s decision of neutrality was met with harsh opposition in the GCC countries with UAE’s foreign minister, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, calling it totally unacceptable. He went on to say that Pakistan should be ready for the consequences of abandoning the GCC in the time of need.
However, Pakistan position is simple which maintains that war is not the solution of any problem. The situation in Yemen should be settled through dialogues. Also, if Pakistan becomes a party in the Yemen crisis then it could flare up the sectarian divide inside its own borders.
The biggest responsibility in solving the Yemen Crisis lies on the shoulders of OIC. This organization has to be made functional as it represents the whole Muslim world. Together, Muslim leaders have to find a peaceful solution for this problem. Unity and not dividing on sectarian lines is the only way forward for the Muslim world.