Saudi sources have slammed Pakistan's decision to backtrack on its previously declared participation in the Saudi-led air strikes on Houthi rebel sites in Yemen, a newspaper has reported, adding that the move could prompt an increase in Egyptian military involvement.
London-based Al-Arab newspaper quoted the Saudi sources as describing the Pakistani position as “slack”, warning that the move would negatively affect Islamabad’s relations with Riyadh and other Gulf countries.
Pakistan’s parliament voted on Friday against participation in the campaign launched by Arab states and led by Saudi Arabia in support for Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The resolution involved neutrality in the conflict and support for a peaceful solution.
Sources told the newspaper that the Pakistani stance might give Egypt a larger military stake in the operations should a decision be taken on ground interference in Yemen.
The paper added that the visit by Egypt’s Defense Minister Sedqy Sobhy to Saudi Arabia two days ago was aimed at arranging for a ground operation. It noted that Sobhy expressed readiness to provide all assistance needed for the coalition’s operations in Yemen.
