Pakistan, Yemen Strengthen Bilateral Ties: Chairman Senate

Report By Syed Farzand Ali

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted and brotherly relations with Yemen, emphasizing their shared cultural, historical, and religious bonds.

During a meeting with Yemeni Ambassador Mohammed Motahar Alashabi in Islamabad on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, focusing on bilateral relations, regional stability, and economic cooperation.

Pakistan’s Continued Support for Yemen

Chairman Senate Gilani warmly welcomed Ambassador Alashabi and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Yemen’s efforts toward peace and stability. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to assisting Yemen through:
✔ Scholarships for Yemeni students
✔ Capacity-building initiatives
✔ Professional training programs

Pakistan also offered its expertise in key sectors, including:
🔹 Climate change
🔹 Information technology
🔹 Agriculture
🔹 Defense cooperation

Pakistan’s Strategic Role in Regional Stability

Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized Pakistan’s strategic significance as a nuclear power, highlighting its strong ties with China and Turkiye. While discussing the Afghan refugee crisis, he called upon the global community to play its role in addressing the challenges Pakistan faces as it continues to host thousands of Afghan refugees.

Commitment to Peace in Yemen

The meeting also addressed Pakistan’s steadfast support for a peaceful resolution to the Yemen conflict, in alignment with UN Security Council (UNSC) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolutions.

✔ Backing for the Riyadh Agreement (2019)
✔ Active role in the OIC Contact Group on Yemen
✔ Advocating for diplomatic solutions

Enhancing Trade and Investment Opportunities

Chairman Senate stressed the importance of expanding trade relations and exploring investment opportunities between Pakistan and Yemen. He highlighted that Pakistan’s private sector, particularly in IT and construction, could play a key role in Yemen’s reconstruction once peace is restored.

Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was also introduced as a one-window operation for investments in:
✅ IT sector
✅ Agriculture
✅ Mining and natural resources

Strengthening Parliamentary & People-to-People Ties

To further bolster diplomatic relations, Chairman Gilani announced the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate. He extended an invitation to Yemen’s parliamentary and ministerial leadership for an official visit to develop a roadmap for future collaboration.

Additionally, Ambassador Alashabi was invited to Multan to engage with Pakistan’s business community and explore economic partnerships.