Pakistan to 'stand shoulder to shoulder' with Saudi Arabia

Pakistani lawmakers on Friday approved a draft resolution proposing that the country stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia to protect the Gulf nation's territorial integrity.

On day five of the joint parliamentary session on Yemen, the lawmakers cemented the resolution on the Saudi-led offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen, Dawn online reported.

The resolution stated that although the crisis in Yemen could "plunge the region into turmoil", Pakistan should stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia to protect the latter's territorial integrity.

It further calls upon the warring factions in Yemen to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue.

The resolution expressed "serious concern on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Yemen and its implications for peace and stability of the region", adding that lawmakers supported "all humanitarian initiatives aimed at bringing relief to the people caught in the conflict".

The resolution adds that the lawmakers supported "regional and international efforts for restoration of peace and stability in the region". It underscored the need for "continued efforts by the government of Pakistan to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis while promoting the unity of the Muslim Ummah in cooperation with leaders of other Muslim countries".

It further stated that the parliamentarians appreciated the arrangements made by the government for the safe and swift evacuation of Pakistanis and nationals of many other countries from Yemen.