Lahore: Several religious groups in Pakistan have decried the resolution passed by the parliament to reject a call by close ally Saudi Arabia to become a part of its coalition that is fighting against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
"We will not allow anyone to disrespect the Haramain Sharifain (Ka'aba in Mecca)," said Maulana Ludhianvi, chief of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ).
Ludhianvi, who had been leading the pro-Saudi rallies in Islamabad over the last week, announced that more such public meetings would be held in the Pakistani capital, Karachi and Lahore before an all-party conference is called to finalise plans "save the Harmain Sharifain".
"If our government does not take the decision, we will go to Saudi Arabia," he said.
Maulana Fazal ur Rehman Khalil, leader of Ansar-ul-Umma, said Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan and now it is time Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia.
"Moreover, the war is not between two countries but it is a war against rebels," he said.
"It is unfortunate that the Pakistani politicians could not see beyond propaganda," said JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.
"It was unfortunate that the Yemen conflict was debated in the parliament and a resolution was adopted against the wishes of the people of Pakistan," Saeed said.
Saudi Arabia had requested Pakistan to join a coalition fighting rebels in Yemen by contributing ground troops, fighter jets and navy ships.
However, Pakistan Parliament in a joint session voted unanimously on April 10 against military involvement in Yemen.
