Prime minister Imran Khan has reiterated his government’s desire to play a constructive role to seek a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Yemen. During a meeting with ambassador of Yemen Mohammed Mohatar Alashabi who called on him here on Wednesday, the PM said that Pakistan wants a peaceful and an acceptable solution to the war. He told the ambassador that if all stakeholders are in agreement then Pakistan can play the role of a mediator in the Yemen peace process. Earlier, in his address to the nation on October 24, the PM had said Pakistan would act as a mediator in the war between the Houthi rebels and Saudi-led alliance in Yemen. Khan had said he would try to get Muslim countries together, besides acting as a “mediator” in the resolution of conflicts between Muslim countries. “We are trying our best to act as a mediator to resolve the Yemen crisis,” the prime minister had said. PM’s desire to bring an end to the crisis in Yemen goes in line with the overwhelming sentiment in Pakistan, which is also in favour of a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Yemen.
It is worth to mention here that years long war between Houthi rebels and government forces backed by Saudi led alliance has been a cause and consequence of human rights violations in the region besides causing widespread destruction, displacement, food shortage and outbreak of serious diseases in Yemen. Purportedly, eighty percent of the country (Yemen) lacks access to food, fuel, clean water and health care. The UN’s humanitarian chief while expressing serious concern had said people in war-torn Yemen are facing a situation that “looks like the Apocalypse”, saying that the country could become the worst humanitarian disaster in half a century. The worsening situation in the war-torn country merits urgent attention of the OIC countries. A serious effort on the part of influential governments of the Muslim world is needed to end this war, which could trigger a much larger conflict in the region if left undressed. However it is yet to be seen what kind of a role the incumbent government of Pakistan will play in this regard. Pakistan had already decided to remain neutral in the war. Before assuming the role of a mediator the government needs to clarify whether it will continue to support the objectives of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia to restore the legitimate government in Yemen and withdrawal of Houthis from the territories seized by them. In such a case balancing its relations with Gulf states particularly with Saudi Arabia and Iran will be the most perilous challenge for the IK government. However, working closely with OIC member countries a tangible solution could be sought out to bring Yemen out of the chaotic situation.