Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Tuesday termed the assassination of Saudi diplomat Hasan Al Qahtani as a conspiracy to develop cracks in Pak-Saudi friendly ties. She was addressing a roundtable conference on killing of Saudi diplomat-perpetrators and implications here.
Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Al Ghadeer, Senator Sajid Mir, Lieutenant General Hamid Gul (Retd) and others were present on the occasion. Firdous Ashiq said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy time-tested and lasting relations, adding both countries have helped each other in the time of need. Sharing the views about her recent visit of Saudi Arabia, she lauded the hospitality of the Saudi government and the people.
"I tried to condemn the killing of Saudi diplomat before the Saudi regime but they said they were fully aware what was happening in Pakistan", she added. She said that Saudi authorities have expressed concerns but they have been assured that culprits involved in killing of Saudi diplomat would be apprehended.
She said that some suspects have been arrested. She said that those involved in the assassination of Saudi diplomat want instability in Pakistan as well as in Pak-Saudi relations. She said that Pakistan and Saudi have long historical religious, social and cultural ties. 'We have to work together to defeat extremism and terrorism, besides strengthening bilateral ties further", she added.
Addressing on the occasion, Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Al Ghadeer said that killing of Saudi diplomat Hasan Al- Qahtani would not affect the Pak-Saudi ties. He assured that Saudi Arabia would be always with Pakistan as before. "We are like brothers and would always remain like brothers", he added.
He highlighted the services of late Hasan Al-Qahtani, which he rendered during the devastating floods in Pakistan last year. He informed that late Hasan distributed food stuff and other commodities among the flood victims in Thatha. "We have historical relations with Pakistan and also trust the Pakistan government would unveil the culprits involved in the killing of diplomat. Senator Sajid Mir strongly condemned the murder of Saudi diplomat and termed it as a heinous crime. He said Hasan hailed from a country that enjoys brotherly relations with Pakistan. He said perpetrators of crime are not only enemy of Islam but also Pakistan.