Pakistan Will Support Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Attacks When Asked: Aizaz Chaudhry
ISLAMABAD:Former Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry has said Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia whenever Riyadh seeks assistance against Houthi attacks, but warned that escalating the conflict would not serve Saudi Arabia’s interests.
Speaking on Hum News’ programme, Chaudhry said a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US officials was important, but he did not see any significant signs of a breakthrough.
He said US President Donald Trump appeared to be struggling to find a way out of the conflict, while simultaneously issuing threats and talking about negotiations.
According to Chaudhry, Trump’s advisers, including those supporting a major military strike, were making it difficult to pursue a diplomatic exit from the conflict. He said Iran had also presented proposals suggesting that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the United States lifted the blockade and eased restrictions.
Chaudhry said Pakistan stood with Saudi Arabia and would provide assistance if Riyadh requested it. However, he stressed that further escalation of the war would not benefit Saudi Arabia and that efforts should instead focus on ending the conflict.
He said Saudi Arabia and Iran would also need to engage in dialogue and suggested that China could play a role in facilitating talks between the two countries, similar to its diplomatic role in restoring Saudi-Iranian relations three years ago.
Meanwhile, defence analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman had been appointed as the first secretary-general of the Makkah Defence Alliance, describing the development as significant.
He also said the upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump would be important amid rapidly changing regional dynamics.
According to the defence analyst, Saudi Arabia currently faces security challenges. He said that if Riyadh shifted its military focus towards the Houthis, it could have to redeploy forces from the northern front, potentially creating an opportunity for Israel.
He added that Pakistan was seeking to encourage Iran to use its influence over the Houthis to help reduce tensions. In return, Iran was seeking relief from economic sanctions, he said.
