Pakistan to remain neutral in the Gulf crisis

Pakistan will not side with either Qatar or Saudi Arabia in the ongoing diplomatic crisis in the Middle East. The decision has come following Saudi Arabia’s insistence for Islamabad to take a clear position on the Gulf crisis.

According to Express Tribune, King Salman bin Abdulaziz asked PM Nawaz Sharif “are you with us or with Qatar” during his meeting with the premier.

Nawaz Sharif recently visited Saudi Arabia to discuss the emerging situation in the Arab world and emphasized the peaceful resolve of all the problems facing the Muslim countries.

Pakistan has told Saudi leadership that Islamabad would not become part of any efforts that will escalate the tensions in the Muslim world, a senior government official, who was briefed on the talks at the monarch’s palace in Jeddah, told the publication.

However, Pakistan pledged to play its role to foster unity and peace among the Muslim Ummah. For this purpose, the prime minister will undertake visits to Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey and help de-escalate the tensions.

Another official familiar with the development explained Pakistan would support Kuwait’s efforts to diffuse the crisis but would not directly meditate between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The Gulf countries including UAE, Bahrain, as well as Yemen, Libya, and Egypt led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have cut all diplomatic ties with Qatar, imposing a land, sea and air blockade, over allegations that Qatar is supporting terrorist groups.