Summary Lawmakers will continue debate on military involvement in Yemen.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk / Reuters) - The joint session of the Parliament will continue debate today (Tuesday) to evolve national consensus on the Yemen crisis.
Earlier at the start of a parliamentary debate on whether Pakistan should get involved in a Saudi-led campaign in Yemen, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Saudi Arabia has asked Pakistan for military aircraft, warships and soldiers.
Pakistan has regularly vowed support if there is any threat to Saudi Arabia s territoreal integrity, but has so far not committed to taking material part in the air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
In the debate on Monday, Aitzaz Ahsan, Senate leader of opposition, demanded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif clarify his comments.
"What does [defense minister] Khawaja Asif mean by the violation of sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and the strong response from Pakistan?" he asked. "If the government wants to send troops to Yemen or Saudi Arabia, what will their exact mandate be?"
The session also saw stormy scenes as a major opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, ended a seven-month long boycott of parliament.
PTI boycotted parliament and occupied part of the capital during months-long street protests last year over alleged election rigging. They are firmly opposed to sending troops to Yemen and have suggested the government to play the role of mediator.
