Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Pakistan desires de-escalation of the ongoing crisis and an early commencement of negotiations among rival factions in order to restore peace and tranquility in Yemen, said Shafqat Jalil additional secretary at Pakistan Ministry of Information, at the 4th Information Ministers Conference of Saudi-led Coalition countries supporting legitimacy in Yemen held here.

Jalil headed the Pakistan delegation at the meeting with Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Siddique and Mohammed Arshad Munir, consular (Press), also attending.

In his speech Jalil said, “Pakistan calls for unconditional restoration of the legitimate government of President Abdurabo Mansour Hadi and withdrawal of rebel forces from the territories seized by them, including the capital Sanaá.”

Jalil further said Pakistan remained concerned with the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the current humanitarian crisis calls for more concerted and coordinated efforts at the global level, to alleviate the sufferings of the Yemeni people.

Pakistan contributed $1 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen last year and welcomes the Saudi initiative of providing relief to the war victims in Yemen, in order to alleviate the sufferings of the Yemeni people, Jalil added.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Munircsaid that during his speech, Jalil underlined that Pakistan supports all efforts for peace in Yemen and calls for a political settlement, which can ensure lasting peace in the country.

Muammar Al-Iryani, information minister of Yemen, told coalition members that more than 13,000 journalists were kidnapped by the Houthis and “we are demanding the international community seek their release.”

The conference was represented by ministers from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Djibouti, Malaysia, Senegal, Yemen and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Minister of Media Dr. Awad Bin Saleh Al Awad received Shafqat Jalil in Jeddah earlier.

During the meeting, Jalil conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Syed Ali Zafar, Pakistan’s minister for information, broadcasting, national history and literary heritage, and extended an invitation on his behalf to visit Pakistan. Saudi minister recalled his visit to Pakistan last year and accepted the invitation.

Dr. Awad underlined the need for more media cooperation between the two brotherly countries. Jalil assured the Saudi minister of cooperation in the field of media as it would further cement the already good relations between the two countries.

Jalil thanked the Saudi minister for accepting the invitation and hoped that he will soon visit Pakistan. Ambassador Siddique, and other high-ranking Saudi officials were also present at the meeting.