Saudi minister arrives in Pakistan amid Yemen crisis

Saudi Arabia's minister for Religious Affairs arrived here today amid confusion over whether Pakistan will send troops to take part in air strikes in strife-torn Yemen.
Riyadh had already requested Pakistan to provide troops, jets and warships for its strike against Shiite Houti rebels, but Islamabad has only given vague commitment to safeguard territorial integrity of the kingdom while tacitly delaying any decision to join the Saudi-led coalition.
"Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy close brotherly and friendly relations and it will grow further," Saudi minister Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh said on his arrival.
Asked about Pakistan government's decision not to join the war now, the minister said that resolution adopted by the Parliament was the country's internal matter adding that his government expects best from Islamabad.

Meanwhile, government sources said that the Saudis were upset with the resolution as they expected Pakistan to make a quick decision to their request.
Sheikh will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who has personal relations with the royal family and is believed to be under pressure to do something to calm them.

UAE state minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday took swipe at Pakistan for delaying its decision to join the war and warned that the country would have to pay 'heavy price' for this.
The strong statement by the UAE minister came as a shock to Pakistan's authorities with the Interior minister Nisar Ali Khan taking an exception to the statement today by calling it a "violation of diplomatic norms".

UAE had heavily invested in Pakistan's various sectors and it is a key destination for the country's people and leaders.
So far the Saudis have not expressed their anger publicly but the UAE outburst was being interpreted as having a support from Riyadh.
The visiting minister is also expected to meet his counterpart.