The National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution expressing deep concern over what is being called the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the Persian Gulf since the 1991 US-led war against Iraq. The resolution called upon all countries to show restraint in diplomatic tussle between Qatar and Saudi Arabia-led other Arab nations and resolve all differences through dialogue. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Shireen Mazari called for Pakistan to exit the Saudi-led 41-nation Islamic military alliance, urging the government to adopt a neutral role in the gulf crisis. Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rashid claimed that the war against terror was not over yet. Echoing Mazari, he added that former army chief Gen (r) Raheel Sharif should not have sent Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq told the House that a National Security Committee session had been called on June 15 to discuss the Qatar conflict.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan will do all it can to amicably resolve the Gulf crisis through diplomacy. The premier stressed that Pakistan enjoys good relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar, and will try its best to resolve the differences between the Arab countries. He also said that the Muslim World should play its role in ending the crisis. According to a report, Pakistan has quietly started deliberations to explore ways and means to help ease out tensions between the Arab allies of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The decision was taken in wake of the recent visit by a six-member Qatari delegation in the backdrop of a Middle Eastern diplomatic crisis, following Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Doha. The delegation was to have relayed a message from the Qatari Emir asking Pakistan to play a positive role in resolving the diplomatic crisis engulfing the Middle East. Foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria also hinted at the backdoor channeling, saying that Pakistan believes in unity among Muslim countries. He said that Pakistan had made consistent efforts for the unity of Muslim countries. He added that the government wishes to see the crisis resolved in the best possible manner. The situation has put Pakistan in difficult situation because it has to protect the interests of large diaspora in Arab countries. Emergence of differences harms the unity and solidarity of the entire Ummah. Pakistan enjoys good relations with Arab countries. Apart from political and religious ties, Pakistan has deep-rooted economic and business interests both with Saudi Arabia and Qatar and therefore, it cannot afford to take sides on any country. The instability in the Gulf would also adversely affect Pakistan. The steps are urgently needed to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Qatar to end the virtual blockade of the tiny gulf state. It is also of utmost importance for the region to reduce enmity between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It is the right time for Pakistan to play the role and take practical steps to resolve the crisis for the unity of Muslim world.
