Islamic military alliance
Pakistan has emphatically stated that it remains determined to the policy of non interference in the conflicts of Muslim countries.The Islamic military alliance is not against any country but the terrorism, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said during a meeting of the National Assembly standing committee on foreign affairs.The meeting discussed the issue of clearance given to former army chief retired Gen Raheel Sharif to lead the Saudi-led 41-nation Islamic military alliance and Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.The foreign secretary was addressing concerns that Islamabad’s decision to allow former army chief to lead the alliance might complicate Pak-Iran ties. She said Pakistan is making efforts to reduce the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.She added that It was difficult for Pakistan to maintain equal relations with both countries but Pakistan will not go against Iran’s interests.Raheel Sharif will not act against Iran as the head of the military alliance, she asserted. She said Oman was the 41st country to have become a member of the alliance. Vice Chairman of PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi raised concerns that the Foreign Office’s statements regarding the Saudi military coalition are contradictory and said that Pakistan must make careful decisions regarding the Islamic alliance. He said any tilt towards either side is not advisable.Chief of Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said why did Pakistan agree to become a member of the coalition without first knowing the aims and objectives of the alliance.General Sharif is likely to assume command of the anti-terrorism alliance, dubbed as ‘Muslim Nato’, later this month.Saudi Deputy Crown Prince announced a military alliance and Pakistan’s flag was shown along with those of other countries who joined the alliance. Iran has expressed its reservations regarding the appointment of the former army chief, retired Gen Raheel Sharif, as head of the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance, saying it is not ‘satisfied’ with the coalition.Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency quoted Honardoost as saying that Pakistan had contacted Iranian officials before issuing the no-objection certificate (NOC) to Gen Sharif to lead the Saudi alliance.The ambassador said Iran had conveyed its concerns to the Pakistani government.He said Tehran had informed Islamabad that Iran would not become part of such a military alliance, adding that neither had Iran been extended an offer to join a coalition of this sort.Gen Sharif is likely to assume command of the anti-terrorism alliance, in April. The government had issued an NOC for Sharif to join the alliance after an understanding was reached between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the matter. Pakistan needs to seriously deliberate on the situation and should ensure the protection of interests of the country. Hope in coming days, steps will be taken to remove misperceptions regarding the alliance. Pakistan should also work to resolve the reservations of Iran. As the alliance is formed to combat terrorism in Muslim countries so it should be considered an anti-terrorism alliance and should be used to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the Muslim world.
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