ISLAMABAD: Pakistan found itself in the crosshairs of Middle Eastern politics on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia named it as part of its newly formed 34-nation military alliance of Muslim countries meant to combat terrorism, without first getting its consent.
Talking to journalists, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said he was surprised to read the news that Saudi Arabia had named Pakistan as part of the alliance.
He said he had asked the country’s ambassador in Riyadh to get a clarification from Saudi Arabia on the matter.
Know more: Pakistan part of 34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism, says KSA
Another senior official also confirmed that Pakistan was not consulted before inclusion in the alliance.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Saudi government surprised many countries by announcing that it had forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan. The headquarters of the new Saudi-led coalition would be based in Riyadh.
This is not the first time that Saudi Arabia has named Pakistan as part of its military alliances without Islamabad’s knowledge and consent. The Saudis earlier named Pakistan as part of the coalition that carried out operations in Yemen and a Pakistani flag was displayed at the alliance’s media centre.
Pakistan later declined to join the Yemen war.
It is Pakistani government’s policy that it will not deploy its troops outside the country’s borders except for UN peacekeeping missions.
In the past Pakistan has twice rejected US calls for joining alliances against the militant Islamic State (IS) group on the same pretext.
“We are not looking for any involvement outside our region,” army spokesman Lt Gen Asim Bajwa had said last month while replying to a question about the possibility of Pakistan becoming part of a US-led coalition against IS.
It is unclear how Riyadh went ahead with announcing Pakistan’s participation in the new alliance. It is also difficult to speculate if Islamabad will change its policy because of its close ties with the kingdom.
Pakistan, however, has counter-terrorism cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
The IS operations and activities across the Middle East have led to military responses executed by alliances that most of the time rival each other. Syria has been battling IS and other militants with the help of Iran and Russia.
The US, which is supporting groups trying to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is meanwhile leading another alliance against IS.
Iran has led military efforts along with the Iraqi army and volunteers in the fight against IS in Iraq. The US-led alliance has been supporting the ground operations against IS with their air strikes.
Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2015
Comments (186) Closed
PM is silence and will keep distance. He runs his own policy.
Hahaha political compulsions forcing government to keep any military role under wraps
One can easily judge how unfair this coalition will be and there opperations.
Coalition members do NOT even know that they are with them. Is it not a joke? So far they keep giving us some alms that alone should be enough for us? Sure looks like that.
Give Saudis the same response as we chose for Yemen. No need to get involved unless approved by UN. Seems suspicious and another ploy to get Pakistan involved.
Pakistan should join the coalition.
BTW, why Indonesia got left out?
This is an insult to Pakistan as they are assuming that they own it and do not even approach Pakistan to let them know what they are doing regarding this toothless alliance, they have picked up countries of their choice who can take dictation from them.Pakistan has a parliament which needs to consider pros and cons of this alliance and take steps which are best for the country.
Come what may and who joins whose alliance, Pakistan should focus all of it's energy on defeating terrorism inside Pakistan and by defeating terrorism means not only militants, but also economic, political and white collar terrorism. There is nothing wrong in cooperation with the Saudis to achieve this objectives perhaps we should get some financial help from the Saudis to wipe out all forms of terrorism inside Pakistan. A militarily and economically strong Pakistan will be in a much better shape to help other countries .
Alliance is good to maintain peace in Middle East as well as in south Asian region... Combined they will have access to some 600 F16s, 250 F15s etc. ... Pakistan can sell JF-17s in hundreds along with other military hardware to the coalition of the willing...
its just useless coalition..same like oic..there will never be any action so dont need to worry...saudi can never lead in war..iraq 1991 they needed usa..usa is using saudi kings for own business benefit..and these kings dont want the fighting of is come to saudi
No surprise at all, any coalition that needs victory needs Pakistan, hence no surprise, US ,China, EU,Russia , all want Pakistan on their side to ensure victory.
You need not to get consent when you have unlimited money
pakistan should not deploy their forces outside pakistan. pakistan have borders with naughty countries and it is almost impossible to check borders completely.
Without Pakistan Army their is no victory, with Pakistan Army their is no defeat ,hence KSA desperately wants Pakistan , so does the US
Pakistan should never join them, we have our own hands full, 50,000 Pakistanis have been killed in our own land. Stay away from the Arabs. Our interests and culture is completely different from the Arabs.
Stay out of it, friendly advice
It shows how incompetent these Saudis are. They do not have any diplomatic sense. Oil is the only way for Saudis to have some standing in the world of nations, Once oil reservoirs dry out Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries will shatter. And its not long for oil reservoirs to diminish---30 to 40 years
Saudi knows that the Right Price paid to the right individuals will take them through when it comes to Pakistan. So no permission or consultation of Pakistani authorities required.
@Imtiaz Faruqui: You have very cogently and correctly put the case as to what is in Pakistan's best interest. I wholeheartedly support your stance on non-involvement in other people's awfully messy wars. Pakistan's first and foremost priority ought to be to put its own house in the best possible shape. Unfortunately we are far away from this goal.
@taimoor khan hahaha why not pakistan officials says that thing u just make my day hahaha
It shows what the Saudi's think about us.We do have enough trouble with the Arabs,time to politely tell them to mind their own business
Pakistan Foreign Service timely response to Saudi arrogance should be appreciated by all the citizens of Pakistan. Pakistan has enough of there own problems on the western and eastern borders and remaining neutral in others conflicts is the maturity of the government.
Good. We don't want to be part of any proxy war or alliance be it Saudi, Iran or USA.
Saudi's need to get it togather. they need to realise, Pakistan's involvement is a serious business. Roping in Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, Qatar etc the useless brigades is one thing, getting a regional power like Pakistan involved, is another thing.
@Zak certainly now the world can only agree after all
he who pays the Piper plays the tune!
We should not jump to conclusions. KSA tends to take Pakistan for granted because of the very cordial relations in the past, and the fact that Pakistan's ready deployment of its forces inside KSA during the Iraq War. However, they do not seem to realize that the tides of time have changed. Pakistan's military stance became manifestly clear when our military and the government refused to participate in the Saudi led invasion of Yemen. Our declared stance and actions thus far should rest all doubts: Pakistan will wholeheartedly support KSA with its military power, in case KSA's own territorial integrity is threatened. Period.
Pakistan should show some spine and decline such arrangements. Exclusion from Saudi alliance will hopefully diminish the corrosive fundamentalist forces in Pakistan. Peace with its immediate neighbours is the most critical need of Pakistan, not participation in a distant war.
Shows the respect our Saudi brothers have for us.
Saudi Arabia should deal with Pakistan as equal. Pakistan's involvement in the coalition is taken for granted. Pakistan should distance itself from any military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has a lot of mess in the country to clean it up.
Pakistan should stay out of Arabs mess specially in Saudi Arabia's.
@Zain Any coalition to be formed should be led by Pakistan Army as they have the experience and ability to lead more effectively.
@Zahid ... even UN can not be trusted as they feel pain of killing of European and American more than people killed in other part of the world. For example a day before France event same ISIS detonated huge blast and killed more than 40 people in Lebanon and last Saturday and Sunday more than 1000 people opposing ISIS and Bokoharam killed in Nigeria cold blooded by Nigerian Army, UN has not condemned.
You never know what the Nawaz family and even the establishment has offered in their one to one personal meetings/ trips.
Pakistan should debate it in parliament.
@Baloch : The correct proverb is: "He who pays the piper calls the tune."
Saudi's need to get it togather. they need to realise, Pakistan's involvement is a serious business. Roping in Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, Qatar etc the useless brigades is one thing, getting a regional power like Pakistan involved, is another thing.@Zak
Another Gem of a thought.....salute....
After all he is elder brother, helping the younger brother not only for decades but to some extent during the days of exile for someone with a special treat. Hence he has the right to do so.How can younger brother ask him about his wrongdoing?
Pakistan's major policy decisions are taken by people sitting in London ,Dubai or Washington . Can't blame the Saudis for going overboard without asking us at all
@Zak I salute you, brother! your comments are the most humourous of all.
Pakistan should stay away from the so called military alliance to combat terrorism in the Middle East. Its politics Arabian style. Pakistan single handedly fighting terrorism within its borders and surprisingly not a single islamic country offered assistance. Some arab countries are involved in financial assistance of militants in Pakistan while others are involved in proxy war within our borders creating serious problems for us. Over 50,000 innocent people killed and we are suffering huge material losses. Say hands off and dont treat us as your colony.
SA has blind trust on Pakistan because of their brotherhood relationships.
operation zarb e azb is not over yet. so kindly explain that our forces are already stretched. no doubt there will be another fiery tantrum from UAE etc
They aren't included. They have been suckered to keep the country in constant turmoil.
We could export our military services to offset our trade imbalance.
Pakistan should give a royal snub saying that our's is a democracy and no such one sided decisions by Saudi would be binding on us.
The question is not IF Pakistan is in the coalition of forces against the ISIS, the question is what would Pakistan get out of it. Although Pakistan is has counter-terrorism cooperation with Saudi Arabia but CT OPs mostly incorporates the practice, military tactics, techniques, and strategy that government, military, law enforcement, business, and intelligence agencies use to combat or prevent terrorism but getting involved with using an active and regular Pakistani Armed Forces not under the umbrella of UN is a dangerous and can have long lasting implications on the region specially on Pakistan. Pakistan still did not come out of the grip of nasty effects of terrorism. Pakistan has its hands full and Pakistani forces are actively combating the terrorist. Using Pakistani Armed Forces outside the border of Pakistan without informing and prior permission is undermining Pakistan and its forces. We are not mercenaries, neither we take orders from any country for its own agenda.
No harm in providing expertise, advice and training to the alliance to combat terrorism, but should never send its troops, or be an active part of an alliance that from the outset looks suspicious in its objectives and designs
Pakistan army is not for sale.
@Zak Funny comments bro..
"It is Pakistani government’s policy that it will not deploy its troops outside the country’s borders except for UN peacekeeping missions."
Pakistan should take a look at this policy after the TTP and terrorists in Karachi is dealt with. Pakistan has even today the capability to provide a nuclear umbrella to friendly states: I am sure this is the future security arrangement for Muslim countries once American wars and Daish is settled.
@Zak best statements of dawn are written by u alone.its a gift to see silver lineings in dark clouds but to see silver itself in clouds is amusing.
Pakistan should not join this coalition and Pak should seek explanation from Saudis as to why the have named Pak without its consent
Pakistan should away this force which do nothing for Muslims and Islamic world and our soldiers work as rented men.
@C.K. Wonder who this Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry reports to or the statement made is coming from - Pakistan doesn't have an official Foreign Minister :)
Don't get involved in any way...solve your own problems first.... This is yet another trap to further enhance Suffering of the nation... It would have been better not to even join UN forces...
Pakistan must send a signal that it cannot be taken for granted any more.
Who the hell these arrogants think they are.
Pakistan must not be part of any alliance on whatsoever grounds to combat terrorism, while bearing in mind that terrorism is an internal threat and not external. Therefore, each country, which is affected by terrorism should find the causes of terrorism and adopt curative measures accordingly. The GCC countries do not have strong deterrence to withstand with the onslaught of terrorism, therefore, they are trying to implicate other countries to safeguard their monarchies against the possible dangers posed by the terrorists. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and it must not join any force or alliance beyond its borders, except sparing forces for UN peacekeeping missions, as rightly pointed by foreign office and military spokesman.
@Zak Ha Ha. Good joke.
If we don't fight this menace of ISIS and extremism now,our children will suffer dearly and overseas pakistani already paying a price of this extremism problem, that we have been trying to keep it under the rug.Its for the survival of all muslims and peace loving nation.
Just like Saudi forces always come to help us in Kashmir without our invitation
Pakistan should join this. It is first ever Muslims collations.
@Zak seriously?
There should be a larger military alliance between Muslim countries, they should develop their own arms industries no harm in it, however it should be planned in a way that all burdan to fight terrorism should not be thrown on the shoulders of Muslim countries alone. You run your weapon industries & we continue to consume it should not be the central idea. Iran should also be engaged in a fruitful peace talk. The more division the Muslims have the easier prey they become.
Pakistan should root out terrorists in own territory. Middle east turmoil is a result of failed policies of arrogant nations. Pakistan shall stay away this dirty conflict.
Pakistan should pay card according to its own policies and desires and shouldn't involve in any trouble just because of keeping and maintaining good relations with someone. Pakistan has been facing consequences of US-based Afghan war. It was never be the war of Pakistan. But Pakistan was dragged in, I don't know why, with some compulsion or vested interest but whatever was the reason, the outcome was very bad for Pakistan. So, this time be carefull before involving in any proxy war.
A cover-up service by foreign office. The approval was given way before back in September and October.
?The Saudis earlier named Pakistan as part of the coalition that carried out operations in Yemen and a Pakistani flag was displayed at the alliance’s media centre". Saudis have dared to include Pakistan's name again -for the second time - because our rulers did not rebuke them when they did so earlier -for the first time. The Saudis have become so very arrogant and intoxicated that they consider / treat all Muslim countries and rulers as their sub-ordinates. They thus don't find it necessary to even discuss let alone obtain prior consent.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
@Eli Good comment. That's a sound strategy. And make them pay through the nose for it :).
Moment of truth for Pakistan. IsIs threat is real and spreading fast like a deadly virus. If Pakistan plays a leadership role in the Muslim's coalition force, the whole world will engage, support and root for it.
Alas; Pakistanis are not ruling Pakistan. We don't have the right to protect our rare birds, we don't have the right to fight our own wars. We are dragged into some others wars and the loss is ours while benefit to them. We shamelessly talk about our national integrity and sovereignty which we don't have at present.
Something else for the press and something totally different amongst the key players. PM is a smart guy taking everyone for a ride.
Pakistan should never get involved in the mess created by Ignorant SAUDIS !!!!!! My Vote is BIG NO !!!!!!!!!
@Sajjad Ur Rehman pub point agreed . All these arb nation are standing on the Foundationin Of crude oil wealth. Once these receourses dried in near future may be after 70 years then see they would be below rhird world countries as even drinkable water is not availavle in these desert arb countries
No never Pakistan joined the 34 bitter countries, on & off they bit each other and fight, but never ever they joint struggle for Al-Qudus Palestian, first GCC countries help with Pakistan destroyed Afghanistan, than GCC destroyed Iraq, than Libiya now Syria and Yemen, this is not Islamic coaliation of 34 countries. Pakistan Army is not missionery army to fight for Money is respectable and best army keep away from this junta of fighter and kill each other. Sorry GCC Pakistan will not join to kill muslim brothers in Syria and Yemen. NO NO
@Saqib great idea
@Hamid It's arrogance on part of the Saudis. They think they own the world and the world owes them back. Pakistan should not join any of these forces. We got our own fish to fry.
@taimoor khan I think you did not get the point here.The inclusion of Pakistan in the alliance without its knowledge means there is no respect whatsoever from Saudi Arabia!
Nobody is on the same page here. We made it clear we won't involve ourselves in matters that divide the Unmah. Turkey supported the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt which UAE and KSA ardently opposed. It's all cosmetic and nothing else and I don't appreciate saudi "royals" mention of our name when we agreed to nothing of the sort. When Iran and Saudi set aside their school boy behavior and use of proxies this'll be one step closer to attaining normalcy. Only Israel gains from all of this.
@Ashfaq11 wrong. Military itself wants nothing to do with Arab civil wars
@ali : You are very funny ...'Pakistan has a parliament which needs to consider pros and cons of this alliance and take steps which are best for the country.' Do we have a Parliament????
Most of the ppl giving their comments here may not be mature enough to understand what the world is coming up to and what is Pakistan's role in it but still I suggest all of you to go and read the history about the numerous ocassions where Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries has helped Pakistan, be it money, artillery, oil, cheap petrol or foreign remittances.
I am not saying Pakistan has done nothing in return but our political leadership is in no position to come face to face with Saudi Arabia specially after enjoying the luxurious exile period from which they have returned recently. I am not sure why ppl have such short term memory loss issue
Saudi Arabia only named Pakistan being part of a Anti Terrorist alliance, which every Islamic country should be given the current threats to this religion in the name of ISIS and other military wings established only to defame Islam and its followers.
Its high time for all of us to start looking at the broader picture.
Has Pakistan not yet learnt lesson from Afghan war? we are still facing consequences that had made our country hell. Pakistan should only join that muslim military alliance in case there is no element of aggression from a Muslim country and only purpose is to maintain law and order as peace keeper.
SA believes to be the king of the world. Pakistan should keep believing in its own policies. Not joining SA in the massacre of Yemenis was correct. It is no reason to Change the policy now. An alliance against terrorists is a good step, but an alliance needs an Agenda and a clear set of objectives. The role of each participating Country should be exactly defined and accepted by this Country. Pakistani soldiers are neither slaves of SA-Monarchs, nor paid mercenaries.
The problem with having two leaders. One doesn't know what the other is doing!
I think it is also some sort of signaling from the Saudi government. They want to test our waters again on this issue i.e. What our stance is on being included in their war. It may build up into something big later on, in the form of a sweeping decision (hopefully not) against Pakistani workforce or some other ramifications...
Like the war on terror Pakistan Army now wins a chance to fight with these coalition forces. Hence proved Pakistan Army is the best to fight under any circumstances.
Foreign office has to make such statements because our government does not speak the truth
http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/850596
they take us for granted as the oil beneficiaries courty
Excellent Move. keep away from the chaos of middle East focus on our country and region.
An excuse to drag Pakistan into middle eastern conflict which is already quite complex with involvement of Russia & NATO. AVOID At all costs.
Pakistan takes money without asking so now pay the price
Pakistan army is not for rent...we have enough of our own problems...we should focus on that...
They politically support and do business with our enemies but want our boys to die for them. Have they ever supported us on Kashmir issue. The government should have courage and tell them clearly to take care of their self created problems.
Pakistan needs to focus in its own matters, strengthen peace across provinces, boost economy, pay attention to fast development of macroeconomic policies and watch china-pak corridor.
It's high time Pakistan realises that they have been made use off and most of the problems in Pakistan is because of the closeness to Saudi Arabia....
Pakistan is "not in any alliance with House of Saud" and should not "tolerate" such "announcements claimed by house of Saud"
"Saudi Arabia has named Pakistan as part of its military alliances without Islamabad’s knowledge and consent". Because they are both best friends.
@Zahid , Because Indonesia is a secular country.
NS must have given the approval to SA. Now he is covering it up through foreign secretary's statement to avoid backlash at home and in neighborhood.
@Zak , Yes, Pakistan has the best army and it should lead the 34-nation military alliance.
Pakistan should get away from the Coalition with Saudi kingdom and Turkey .Both Countries sponsoring ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
@ABDULLAH KHAN I never felt that brotherhood during my interaction with them,it sounds more like a master vs slave relationship
@SBK Pakistan knows well Turkey and Saudi Arab oil states sponsored ISIS in other region.
The organisers of the alliance to fight terrorism are the financiers of the extremists in the Muslim countries.
Foreign Ministry should ask PM office instead
This is nothing but arrogance from Saudi Arabia. They think Pakistan and Pakistani Army are their SLAVES!! and they can dictate us whatever they want!!
It is quite expected as far as I am concerned. Having worked there as a consultant in a university hospital, this is exactly what they think of us. They know more our weakness than we know theirs.
Really!! How can a country claim to create an alliance against "terrorists" who they themselves created and nurtured? Is this absurd or what?
It is incomprehensible that SA which has been and is the source of most the extremism in the region, is now forming this so-called anti-terrorism coalition.
Pakistan must not be part of this coalition
Pakistan should be a part of it.
Pakistan is running its foreign policy and relations very sensibly and in dignified manner. It successfully and gracefully handled the Yemen crisis by keeping supreme the national interest and skillfully handled the sensitive situation even though it has very special and peculiar relations with KSA.
@Azhar Malik agree with sensible but dignified not sure. It will be dignified when we clearly tell them "stop treating us as slaves".
Saudi Arabians and the Gulf countries are not to be trusted. They are playing the Islamic card and everyone knows the treatment that common workers get in their countries. They are making a fun of Islamic principles and tenets when providing livelihood to poor foreign workers.
@Hamid Question here is not whether we should join this coalition or not.... question here is how on earth they can include Pakistan's name in it without even asking?
Send this issue for debate in our parliament and they will reject it. Thanks but no thanks, Middle east is not our problem , we are not interested, we are occupied clearing mess in our home at the moment, created by both militants and corrupt ruling elite.
Every country treats us with disrespect. How can they just assume we will join?? This operation will call for Pakistani ground troops and there'll be huge casualties for Pakistan. I hope our foolish leaders realize that.
Dividing efforts between several groups would simply divide their effective force and would make the initiative more of a competitive display for superiority between the fighting forces than downing the common enemy.
Talking about Master and slave relationship. Just ask any Pakistani working in Saudi Arabia about how are they treated there? It is so sad to hear their stories.
@ignorance is blessing can't agree more!! It's not about joining or not. It's simply about our dignity and Saudi's Arrogant attitude towards us!!
It is just possible that the Saudis had already talked and got a nod from the PM.
Saudis think we are their slaves...
Now the violence in Pakistan will continue.
I wonder why the Foreign Secretary had to issue this thoughtless statement and why this matter was not handled discreetly. Saudi Arabia has been and will stay as a long term strategic partner of Pakistan and there should be no qualms about that in anyone's mind and hence relations with that country need to be handled with a lot of care. Thoughtless knee jerk reactions must be avoided at all costs.
The idea to make an alliance is not bad ,the way it is executed is disappointing .In its current form it looks more like anti Iran,for that reason, Iran should be included in it along with all other relevant countries.Saudi Arabia is not competent to lead it,it should either be Turkey or Pakistan.We should also tell Saudi's to consult all the parties concerned before they make these kind of deliberation and to make a well thought out plan .
@M.Saeed that would be worst than Saudi not asking. Imagine PM agreed without anyone else knowing including army!! That would be a real problem!!
@Shahzad S Iqbal : Absolutely right. There is something called state secrets and everybody in the Government and the leadership appears hell-bent to become security risk much ahead of others.
Muslims shouldn't be divided and shouldn't be part of any alliance. Even Pakistan has to lead to unite all muslims countries
Saudi takes consent from the military, which truly rules.
@Kamal Pasha Well said - this is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Saudi & their Arab allies fight in Syria, Iraq, Libya , Afghanistan & Yemen but when this block is attacking Israel since Muslims' first priority issue is PALESTINE.! When saudi & arabs will threat israel to free Palestine?
@Abu-Salmaan my question is...when this block is attacking Israel since Muslims' first priority issue is PALESTINE.!??
Pakistan should not involve in this coalition against IS. This newly formed 34 nations military alliance of so called Muslim countries will not work. Pakistan must solve its home grown problems first before joining and venture.
What a surprise that the Foreign Secretary is not aware of such an important decision and ask our Ambassador in Riyadh to find the fact.
Your Royal Highness King of Saudia,
We are extremely grateful for being included in this esteemed group without our permission. We also appreciate your tireless efforts in creating and funding the extremist groups in the Islamic world. We can never thank you enough for your deep commitment to divide the Muslim community along sectarian lines.
Last but not the least, we are thankful for your efforts in stoning to death poor Pakistanis that are being used by rich Sheikhs to smuggle drugs into your country.
We are proud and honored to be part of this esteemed coalition without our knowledge. Going forward, please feel free to include us in any wars in the Middle East and hoist our proud flag as you see fit.
Ever gratefully, Our Clueless Leaders
Clearly, committments have been made of which people have not been informed.
Pakistani soldiers to the front lines, while Saudi's/Arabs sit in air conditioned rooms. This is the reality.
The Saudis , first must define, what action they wish to take. Why is Iran excluded out of it? Is it not an islamic country? Is it Sunni alliance only? If it is than whomis the enemy? Never knew the new leadership could be so juvenile. ... Some sense has to knocked into them.
ISIS doesn't just exist in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan -- it has major constituency supporters in almost all Arab countries, including Saudi, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan. So they want to really minimize the risks, Saudis & Qatar are themselves responsible for extremism in Islamic countries.
Pakistan knows well that ISIS is the creation of Saudi Arabia and Turkey to play in Iraq and in Syria.
There needs to be a muslim response to terrorism and destruction of our lands.
There needs to be a global alliance of muslim states and if anyone disagrees they are very stupid but include Iran and Saudi can not run it on their own but need to be exactly what it is an Alliance of equals.
This is required and anyone thinking otherwise is stupid but how it is enforced needs to be good too and must work with the SCO to create a balance in the region and fill a major vacuum.
@M.ASIF Well said!
We are already fightting a war against these terrorosts, every body know who nurtured , financed and supported them in the Past.Pakistan is fighting its own war and thanks God our Army has been able to curb this menace solely.We never asked any outsieder force to fight for us rather we kept on requesting not to fuel the fires of sectarian rifts and sponsoring those extremists. This war is to be fought individually, not to use a magic wand disguised as scapegoats...from 34 countries..the core being Pak Army.The real motive here is not to bridge the gapes and differences, rather its meant to act against those who fight real terrorism. Be ware of the plots of Enemy, you have your own enough deals to accomplish.Involving in an external rift wont help Pakistan for stability, it will serve as a catalyst to intensify agony and sectarian rifts
Pakistan is being taken for granted to back the Saudi policies.
Another joke. Pakistan needs to stay away from saudis and their intl alliance of terrorists including West/US supported groups.
@Zahid don't forget that S Arabia is providing billions of dollars to us..
Pakistan don't want to be part of any alliance where they do operations like Yemen.
It is good step and Pakistan should play a role but this alliance should define and clarify it's policy and scope and this alliance should not be serving interests of external powers and/or monarchy. But should play a role to bring justice and then peace. A wishful thought. Nato is also an alliance and it's time to create similar power to take back control BUT with the intention of serving people and establishing justice. One questions to ask though, are our leaders ready to give up their comfortable and luxuries life?
Pakistan is a part of this coalition with Pakistan consent but they want to confuse Pakistani public with statements like these . Why not PM or Military chief say something to clear the matter. This is Pakistan Govt. policy.
its a joke...that's what it is.....Pakistan should say thanks but no thanks to KSA....when your own house is burning you shouldn't be focussing to save your neighbours'...that too KSA.....Pakistan should keep as much distance from this as possible.....We have our own problems but this isnt one of them...
Tuff task for the Ambassador in Riyadh ! He will need lot of guts and courage !
Americans are very happy on this achievement by the house of Saud. Oman, Algeria, Indonesia are not included in this alliance and a lot of other countries. Palestine and Pakistan included without telling them.
Zionists are pushing to Muslim Ummah in confrontation with each other for greater Isreal which engulf all of Ummah. ISIL is MOSAAD sponsored terrorist organization. KSA must include Russia, Iran and China for real alliance.
KSA will win this war either Pakistan join them or not! But it would be better to be done.
Selection might be on the basis of aid to the Nations!
alliance for the peace strong economie yes...but allience for war NO NO NO
Pakistan should not take part in any such alliance. Our country is composed of Sunni, Shia, Christians,Aga Khanis, Hindu, Bhohri and other communities who live together and we are neighbours. This is their problem and let them solve it. All above communities are in Armed forces, police, government ministries etc. etc. We don't want to differentiate Pakistanis according to their personal believes and make this beautiful country like Iraq which is now divided on the basis of believe system.
It's a true v as a Muslims have tied with Saudi Arabia in a solid religious as well as spiritual relation bt as nation we have our own integrity and unique status in Muslim ummah.Pakistan must be on board but be consulted on such serious Islamic issue. Although Islamabad and Riddyh has strong ties at each level but being an atomic power pak has sm extra responsibilities to keep the Muslims united not separate them.
Strongly condemn the inclusion of Pakistan in this sectarianism based group which will create more chaos in the Muslim countries. The sectarianism based proxy wars are already destroyed Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Mr. Spokesman, I am surprised at your ignorance why is you PM or COAS not sayin anything.
@taimoor khan and hence Saudi Arabia decided to include Pakistan even without consulting the mighty Pakistan. Is that the way it works? The powerful gets included even without consulting.
India should have been invited to join the coalition.Afterall it has the worlds largest population of muslims.
The best way to hit ISIS is by supporting Bashar al Asad, rather than Saudi alliance. I don't see any practicality in this alliance, its result will be more sectarian violence through out muslim world. Middle east badly need balance of power.
IT depens on Army chief how will react. Our Govt is neither in 3 or in 1. They only know how earn money.
pakistan has not been consulted!!! ... are we slaves of middle east ?...quite sad..
Before creating or being part of such military alliance, it is a necessity to activate oic by way of free trade agreement between all such countries.
All countries concerned must cooperate completely on economics, science & technology.
Only then will such alliance have value.
I think Saudis should hire Pakistani youth in their armed forces. In this way, they can built a strong fighting force and Pakistan's problem of un-employment will be addressed.
U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter welcomed the idea of the 34– state Islamic Alliance against terrorism. During the announcement by Saudi Arabia to form this 34-state Islamic alliance Secretary Carter welcomed the initiative and said that it “appears to be very much aligned with something that we have been urging for quite some time, which is greater involvement by Sunni-Arab countries in the campaign to combat ISIL.”
He added that a Saudi-led coalition in the region would have the ability “to promote what we know is necessary in the long run for the defeat of ISIL in Iraq and in Syria. And in the long run defeating terrorism in the region would require “replacement of their [Daesh’s] tyrannical rule with local rule that gives a decent life back to people.”
If we want to put an end to Daesh, we need to have more global cooperation.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, US CENTCOM
Best thing for Pakistan...
You see, developed nations including US, India, Japan, Indonesia are all out of this, because they know their is no motive of doing this alition. So basically, it's just like a Whatsapp group to do nothing.
Pakistan must keep a distance. Decadent Middle Eastern monarchies are struggling hard to survive . Pakistan shouldn't become their sidekick.
Pakistan should not get involved in Arab wars. These are unjust wars.
Too bad Pakistan is stuck with bad leadership. If we had a true leader we could be LEADING the muslim nations in fights against terrorists which include the IS,
@Zak nice.
Pakistan should join if it wants to, not by coercion.
This is rediculous, Saudian kingdom didnt even bother to inform pakistan about inclusion in alliance which is created accordingto will of AmericaAnd isreal
Very Good !
Pakistan carries same view on combating terrorism under the present administration. A constructive and wise decision.
Inclusion in "alliance" in Afghanistan, how did that work out? 60,000 Pakistani civilians paid the price for America's war with Russia. I hope Pakistanis are not so stupid as to paint a target on themselves again.
@ABDULLAH KHAN Saudi Arabia has blind trust on Indoenesia, Malaysia, Egypt and 32 other countries as well except Iran who is not included because they are helping Syria, Hizbollah and Hamas against Israel
Though I have no problem in Pakistan being part of the coalition against the terror, i believe that Pakistan must get itself in order first. We have domestic terrorism and corruption all around the country. How can we go and fix everyone else's issues and keep on getting used and abused by other countries is beyond any comprehension. We need to eradicate terrorism and extremism first in Pakistan and make sure that all minorities and sects are treated with respect. It is time that we start looking more inwards and start addressing our own issues.