Home Latest News Nawaz Sharif Heads to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Yemen

Nawaz Sharif Heads to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Yemen

by AFP
File Photo. Adem Altan—AFP

File Photo. Adem Altan—AFP

Analysts believe the trip is meant to pacify the Saudi royal family over Islamabad’s refusal to participate in conflict.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia to discuss the war in Yemen, his office said Wednesday, after the Saudi-led military coalition announced an end to airstrikes against rebels.

A statement from Sharif’s office said he would make a one-day trip to Riyadh on Thursday, and welcomed the Saudi announcement of the end of the air attacks in Yemen. Sharif will be joined by the country’s Army chief Raheel Sharif, defense minister Khawaja Asif and other senior officials.

Pakistan has remained ostensibly neutral in the conflict, which has pitted the forces of deposed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against Shia Houthi rebels, whom Riyadh says are backed by Iran.

Parliament earlier this month unanimously voted against complying with Riyadh’s request for troops, warplanes and ships.

Sharif’s trip is seen by some analysts as intended to pacify the Saudi royal family, with whom he has close personal ties after they sheltered him during his years in exile.

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