Sir: According to media reports, on the request of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s government is all set to join the operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This decision will cast long lasting effects on Pakistan. First of all, the decision to take part in the operation against Houthis will deepen the rift between Shia and Sunni communities in the country and sectarian hatred will increase because this issue is more sectarian than anything else. The second aspect of this crisis is that our neighbour Iran is supporting the Yemeni rebels. If we join the war against them, this will irk the Iranian authorities and their annoyance will certainly result in the loss of Pakistan because they will lose no chance to take revenge from us. It is also a bitter fact that if Iran can create a threat to Saudi Arabia, it can do it more easily to Pakistan. Besides this, we are facing so many internal problems, our forces are busy in operations against terrorists and sending of troops out of the country will not be an easy task. Another aspect of this situation is that if Pakistan rejects Saudi Arabia’s request and does not join the Arab alliance, the consequences will also not be in our favour because Pakistan’s financial interests are interlinked with Arab states. They not only provide aid to Pakistan but hundreds and thousands of Pakistanis are residing in Gulf states to earn their livelihood. It is a matter of great concern that Pakistan is standing on a tightrope. It is very important that any decision in this regard should be taken after taking parliament into confidence. I think that the best way for Pakistan is to play the role of a mediator between Iran and Saudi Arabia because both countries are important for us. ASIM IQBALRawalpindi