Pakistan renews security pledge to Saudi Arabia

FO says Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations

Pakistan has renewed its pledge to remain committed to safeguarding the holy places and the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.

The statement comes just two days after suicide bombers struck three cities, including Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madina, in the kingdom on Monday, in an apparently coordinated campaign of attacks as Saudis prepared to break their fast on the penultimate day of the holy month of Ramazan.

“The people and the government of Pakistan remain committed to safeguarding the holy places, and the territorial integrity of the fraternal Kingdom and its people,” a statement issued by FO said.



“The entire Pakistani nation and its leadership stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia in this hour of grief and shock and reiterate their abiding commitment to the safety, security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia,” the communiqué added.

Expressing solidarity with the Saudi government, FO said: “The entire Pakistani nation and its leadership stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia in this hour of grief and shock and reiterate their abiding commitment to the safety, security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.”

‘Terrorists have no religion’

Condemning the attack outside one of the holiest sites in Islam, Masjid-e-Nabawi, during the sacred month of Ramaza, the FO expressed its “deep shock” over the incident.

“The government and the people of Pakistan are in profound anguish over the incident. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The attacks in this holy month of Ramazan, the sanctity of which is solemnly observed all across the globe by not only Muslims but also non-Muslims, testifies that a terrorist has no religion, no face and no identity.”

It further said the terrorism was a global phenomenon and was not country or people-specific. “The recent unfortunate attacks in Iraq, Turkey, USA, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Europe are a manifestation of that effect,” it said.

“Terrorism can only be defeated by international cooperation. Being itself one of the biggest victims of terrorism, Pakistan has always extended cooperation to the international community in their drive against terrorism and extremism and shall continue to do so,” it added.



Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain also condemned the attacks on the Saudi soil. “Our leadership has expressed solidarity with the Khadmein Hermain Shreefain. They offered their heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and conveyed their prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The PM’s adviser on Foreign Affairs wrote a separate letter to the Saudi Foreign Minsiter Adel Al Jubeil to condemn the attacks and offer condolences to the bereaved families. Sartaj Aziz also offered cooperation and support in the investigations.