Yemen issue: Expats fear Pakistan refusal may have repercussions

KARACHI: As the Pakistani Parliament refuses to join the Saudi coalition against Yemen rebels and stay neutral in this regional conflict, Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia fear negative impacts if the country refuses to extend military aide to Gulf states.

Moazamuddin, living in Saudi Arabia for more than two decades, said Pakistan should join the Saudi military operation in Yemen; otherwise the labour manpower working in the country might face adverse impacts. He added that Pakistan may also lose the Saudi help that it receives from time to time.

Saudi Arabia asked Pakistan to contribute aircraft, ships and ground troops to its coalition, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the joint session of parliament on Monday (April 6). Before this the government was not sharing what the Saudis had asked for and was sending mixed signals.

There are nearly two million Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, contributing the largest chunk of remittances sent by the Pakistanis living abroad. The national kitty received $4.73 billion in remittances from the Kingdom in FY14 -– that’s the highest-ever sum from any single country.

Zia Ahmed, 21, who has lived almost his whole life in Saudia expressed his concerns over the future of blue-collared workers, who are bound to the wishes of their Kafils (sponsors). “I think the labour class might face problems with the government or their Kafils regarding their work permits”, said Ahmed who is pursuing a degree in environment studies from the University of Mankato, Minnesota.

Many people question why Muslim states had not intervened militarily for the Palestinian cause. Sharia Semeen, an actuarial analyst residing in Dubai stated: “I don't see any harm in Pakistan helping Saudia to fight against terrorism but I also strongly believe that Pakistan should have extended help to Palestine”.

Holy places in the Kingdom hold religious importance for all the Muslims, regardless to which sect they belong to. The security and safety of these sites is a matter of great concern; any threat to these shall evoke a strong response from Muslims.

While there’s no reaction from the Saudia Arabia yet, the resolution has angered the six-nation United Arab Emirates.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash tweeted: “The Arabian Gulf is in a dangerous confrontation, its strategic security is on the edge, and the moment of truth distinguishes between the real ally and the ally of media and statements”.

Mohammad Ahsan Awn, working in the UAE maintained that Pakistan should not become a party in this conflict but the sanctity of Mecca and Madina be respected at all costs and for this matter Pakistan must send troops. He also hoped that expats here would not be facing any problems here.

Keeping in mind close ties of the Saudi royal family with Sharifs, it is also to be seen that how the PML-N leadership convey this message to the King Salman who himself requested the prime minister for support.