Saudi-led military alliance not against any country: Pakistan

Islamabad [Pakistan], Apr. 5 (ANI): Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua has made it clear that the Saudi-led 41-nation Islamic military alliance is against terrorism and not against any country. "The Islamic [military] alliance is against terrorism, not any [specific] country," the Dawn quoted Janjua as saying in response to a question by National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman Awais Leghari. She assured that Pakistan is committed to its policy of non-interference in the conflicts of Muslim countries. Janjua made these remarks during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs which discussed the issue of clearance given to former army chief retired General Raheel Sharif to lead the Saudi-led 41-nation Islamic military alliance and Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran. "It is difficult for Pakistan to maintain equal relations with both countries but Pakistan will not go against Iran's interests," she said. Janjua said Pakistan is making efforts to ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Pakistan Foreign Secretary's remarks came after Iran expressed concerns over former Pakistan Army Chief Retired Gen Raheel Sharif heading the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance, saying it is not 'satisfied' with the coalition. The Pakistan Government had last month given its approval to former chief of army staff general (Retd) Raheel Sharif to lead a 39-nation alliance of Muslim states led by Saudi Arabia by providing him with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Earlier in January, former chief of army staff (COAS) General (retd.) Raheel Sharif was appointed as the chief of Islamic military alliance and posted in Saudi Arabia In 2015, Saudi Arabia had announced the formation of a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism and Pakistan was made a member of the coalition. (ANI)