It is not clear whether the interior minister’s statement was approved by the Foreign Office, which has the authority to issue rebuttals on foreign policy matters. Despite repeated attempts, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam did not offer any reaction.

After a five-day heated debate, a joint session of parliament on Friday voted against joining the Saudi-led military alliance against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and urged the government to stay neutral and play role of a peacemaker.