Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the Parliament is required to guide the government about a decision to be taken in response to the request of Saudi Arabia, which is seeking fighter jets, ground troops and navy vessels. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday, he said that Senator Aitzaz Ahsan asked why Defence Minister Khwaja Asif did not divulge enough details in the Parliament pertaining to Saudi Arabia's request. The prime minister said, "sharing more than required information would not be suitable at this critical juncture."

He said, "We can give more explanations but being in the government, we should deal with the issue with due care. The government has concealed nothing from the Parliament. However, this is a highly sensitive issue and we should take utmost care how far we can go," he said.

The Prime Minister said the PML-N government is "not in a hurry" to decide whether to join the Saudi-led coalition against rebels in Yemen, as the issue is being discussed in Parliament to develop consensus.

He said the PML-N government is not there "to win the mandate with any malpractice" but it is seeking genuine opinion of parliamentarians on Yemen. We will implement the decision of the Parliament in its letter and spirit, he said.

"Take your time, we are not in a hurry, we will take all your good points and I want the parliament to also say something about demands of our friends," he said.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey are in close contact to find an amicable solution to the Middle East crisis.

Referring to the proposals of the members of the House that Pakistan should contact other countries regarding the Yemen crisis, the Prime Minister said that we are currently waiting for a statement from Turkey, which is expected by tomorrow (Wednesday) after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's meeting with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Mohammad bin Nayef and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

He added that the Turkish President is likely to take him into confidence on the talks and then a future course of action will be decided.

He said the stance of Pakistan and Turkey on Yemen is similar so far and after having full understanding of their stance we will contact the leadership of Indonesia and Malaysia on the matter. He said Iran should review its policy on Yemen.

Prime Minister said we have also held talks with the military and the Foreign Office is also playing a proactive role in case of Yemen.

He categorically said that Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder by Saudi Arabia in case of any threat to its territorial sovereignty and integrity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2015