Yemen Crisis: Open Letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan

Dear Prime Minister of Pakistan,

As a sincere leader of Pakistan, a true friend of Muslim Ummah and our country being part of Ummah Wāhidah, what is paramount: Personal interest to invade Yemen with your elderly brothers or the national interest to stay away from this bloody war and facilitate early resolution of this widening crisis peacefully?

Do you know almost half (46%) of Yemen's population is under 15 years old, living in densely populated areas? Do you realize what consequences Pakistan will have in the case of former interest? Is this not the high time that we learn from our past blunders? What kind of a coalition is this when a country which we do not officially accept is allying with Arab countries in conducting joint aerial bombardments? Will it be acceptable for us to be part of such a coalition, let alone this bloodthirsty war? Instead of fighting foreign war and in the name of protecting ‘sovereignty and territorial integrity’ of other countries, we must first address critical internal issues at home and safeguard our national sovereignty. 

It is also time to appoint Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Yemen Conflict– which would demonstrate your government's serious commitment to amicably resolve this dangerous conflict which has engulfed the Gulf region and can easily reach our region because of any wrong decision.

Your efforts are appreciable in urgently taking action to bring home stranded Pakistanis in Yemen. However, there are still number of our nationals waiting to be evacuated with their lives in jeopardy. There is an urgent need to expedite the process of escorting all Pakistanis to our country from Yemen.

As a Pakistani along with my fellow citizens, I look forward to your clarification on your government’s policy on Yemen and pressing questions raised above.

Yours sincerely,

Bilal Masood

Citizen of Pakistan