Pakistan calls for political settlement to revive peace in Yemen

JEDDAH: Pakistan Saturday expressed its concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and urged all parties to return to the negotiation table as only a political settlement could ensure lasting peace in the country.

Addressing the Meeting of the Information Ministers of the Coalition Countries for the Support of Legitimacy in Yemen here, Shafqat Jalil, Additional Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting who led the Pakistani delegation in the meeting, said Pakistan supported all peace efforts in Yemen and looked forward to an early cessation of hostilities in the country and its return to peace and tranquility.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia Dr Awad bin Saleh Al-Awad and information ministers and delegates from the member countries of the coalition.

Shafqat Jalil told the meeting that Pakistan desired de-escalation of the ongoing crisis and an early commencement of negotiation among the rival factions, to restore peace in the country.

“Pakistan calls for unconditional restoration of the legitimate government of President Abdurabuh Mansour Hadi and withdrawal of rebel forces from territories seized by them, including Sana’a,” he said.

He said the resolution passed by Pakistan’s parliament on April 10, 2015 endorsed these principles and strengthened the hands of the government for playing a positive and constructive role.

He said despite four years of war, peace in Yemen still remained elusive in spite of tireless efforts of the international community.

“The ongoing war in Yemen poses a serious threat to peace and stability of the entire region and, therefore, calls for our immediate attention,” he remarked.

He said the role of non-state factors in Yemen conflict was of particular concern for all regional countries and their unremitting attacks on civilian population and sensitive targets in Saudi Arabia were viewed as a threat to the entire Muslim world.

He said Pakistan was concerned and seized with the humanitarian situation in Yemen, which called for more concerted efforts at the global level to alleviate the sufferings of the Yemeni people.

Shafqat Jalil said Pakistan welcomed and appreciated the generous efforts of international community, including those of the UN and OIC to help the Yemeni people through provision of much-needed humanitarian aid.

Pakistan also contributed US$ 1 million worth of food assistance to Yemen last year, he recalled and lauded the Saudi initiative of providing relief to the war victims in Yemen.

Pakistan also appreciated the contribution of King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Centre and Saudi for various humanitarian projects in the country since 2015, including its contribution to the UNICEF.