PM, military leaders discuss Saudi request on Yemen

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with military and civilian leaders on Monday to discuss the crisis in the Middle East and Riyadh's request for military assistance in the Saudi-led operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Sources said that all three military services chiefs were present at the meeting, which was also briefed by the PM's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

The meeting comes as both houses of Parliament assembled earlier today to debate on Pakistan's role with regards to Saudi Arabia's security and the Yemen conflict.

The joint parliamentary session was briefed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif before it was adjourned until later in the evening to allow the prime minister to be able to also attend the debate.

The session was delayed after a request from opposition leaders for the prime minister's presence in the House during the key session.