Military courts established as a last resort: Nawaz

Nawaz expresses concern over health of ailing Saudi king; prays for his early recovery

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the government established military courts as a last resort to meet challenges posed by the extraordinary circumstances the country is currently passing through.

The premier is currently on a two-day private visit of Saudi Arabia to inquire about the health of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

Further, he expressed concern over the health of the ailing king and prayed for his early recovery.

During his visit, the premier will also meet Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is also the first deputy prime minister and minister of defence of Saudi Arabia as well as Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In his meetings, the prime minister will exchange views for further enhancing brotherly relations between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest, including economic relations, defence and security cooperation, increasing of manpower from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and regional and international issues.

PM Nawaz is also expected to perform Umra.

In his pre-departure statement the premier said, “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in close bonds of shared faith and values.”

“Being the custodians of two holy mosques Saudi leadership has a special place in the heart of every Pakistani.”

This will be third high-level contact between the two countries in less than a year that reflects the depth of cooperation between the two countries.