LAHORE, Pakistan: Some high profile personalities have strongly criticised the federal government’s decision to join the Saudi-led alliance against terrorism, saying it won’t serve the interest of Pakistan.
Earlier this week, the Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Muhammad bin Salman announced the formation of 34-nation “Islamic military coalition” to fight terrorism, an initiative which was not only welcomed by Pakistan but it also confirmed its inclusion in the alliance.
In his address at the launching ceremony of a Russian language book which was later translated into Urdu in Lahore on Thursday, the former Foreign Minister Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to join the 34-nation coalition against terrorism.
The prominent writer and journalist Sheeraz Piracha in his address also said that Pakistan should refrain from becoming part of any alliance that will work in future only for Turkey and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East.
It is pertinent to mention here that at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad earlier in the day, the Foreign Office Spokesman Qazi Khalilullah confirmed that Pakistan has joined Saudi Arabia’s coalition against terrorism.
However, he said that the extent of Pakistan’s participation in counter-terrorism activities is yet to be decided.
“Yes, we are part of it [coalition]. We have decided, and we welcome it,” the spokesman said.
“We are participating in this alliance against terrorism. The only thing that needs to be decided is the extent of our participation in various activities of the alliance,” he added.
The book launching ceremony was held at Avari Hotel, Lahore in which the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Yurivich Dedov also participated as the chief guest.
The Book titled “My last War… Afghanistan, after withdrawal of Soviet forces” was written by a former Soviet General. It was published in Russian language in 1996 but later was translated into Urdu by Dr Najam ul Sehr Butt.
