Saudi defence minister due today
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ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, who is also the deputy prime minister and minister for defence, is arriving here on Sunday for a daylong trip for seeking Pakistan’s support as the kingdom mulls additional steps against Iran.
This would be the second high-profile visitor from Riyadh in three days. Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir visited Islamabad on Thursday for discussing Riyadh’s tensions with Tehran and the counter-terrorism coalition that Saudi Arabia has announced.
Prince Muhammad would follow up on the discussions FM Jubeir had here.
A military cooperation arrangement is expected to be concluded
He would meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif.
Pakistan has indicated it could consider the Saudi invitation to join the 34-nation coalition (proposed by Riyadh before the Iran spat). However, no official announcement has been made so far.
Islamabad has criticised Iran for reacting to Saudi cleric Sheikh Nimr’s execution and sees it as interference in internal matters of the kingdom.
FM Jubeir on Saturday, after an extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that Saudi Arabia could take further steps against Iran if tensions were to escalate.
A source said that the Saudi defence minister is expected to conclude a military cooperation arrangement during the trip, which the two sides have been negotiating recently.
Saudi Assistant Defence Minister for Military Affairs Muhammad Bin Abdullah al-Ayish earlier visited GHQ and his trip was followed by discussions at other levels. Details of the cooperation agreement are being kept under wraps.
A military official described intensified contacts as part of Riyadh’s heightened diplomatic outreach to allied countries amid aggravating tensions with Iran.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia later this month.
Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2016
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Comments (92) Closed
Jan 10, 2016 08:15am
It is about time that PML N government shows its hand.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:15am
Nah maan! We are not with any one we are with the people of pakistan who suffered all those years and no body asked. If you wanna listen to any one listen to the common people or nawaz count your days for wrong decision.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:23am
Pakistan will pay a high price of this cooperation by this it is going to invite the terrorist groups which will be harder for Pakistan to root them out it will another grave mistake
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Jan 10, 2016 08:23am
Seems Saudi royals need urgent protection. Something big cooking.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:24am
Pakistan should stay away from this mess.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:27am
Pakistan should not align with the Saudis against Iran. Sheikh Nimr's martyrdom is condemned the world around. What happened to the embassy in Iran is also condemned by Iran and they have even sacked their minister for the incident. Saudis now better cool down and not bribe everyone around to leave Iran alone.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:29am
Send him back on his special plan. Pakistan has already enough problems to deal with. Why are they dragging us in their sectarian disputes???
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Jan 10, 2016 08:32am
We share a border with Iran, the only border where their is some peace. Say good bye to it. seceterian bloodshed will tear the counrty apart like Syria shall we get involved and took sides. Our leaders are blinded by dollars cannot see it thru. They are selling the whole nation to the butchers.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:35am
Most welcome, Pakistan majority is with you.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:38am
Fully agree, it's an Namr killing is internal matter of SA, similar as death sentence of Jamat leaders in Bangladesh. We have no right to protest on either.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:41am
Pakistan must not take sides in the Saudi-Iran problem. We should try to help quench this fire ,if we can.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:43am
when you cannot fight your own war why you give a call for brawl. it's totally inept to seek others help to fight your wars.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:44am
We needn't entertain Saudi request for troops, it is absolutely not in our interest. The best offer should be as an arbitrator under the auspicious OIC if it is currently functional.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:46am
it looks there is no limit to how many times Al Saud is seeking assurances from Pakistan. hey you promise you won't leave us alone because we just can't defend ourselves.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:53am
Pakistan must not get involved in this conflict.
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Jan 10, 2016 08:53am
Pakistan should help KSA at this time of need.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:01am
For the love of God stay out of this mess. This decision could destroy Pakistan.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:04am
Don't pay attention to this novice, he is running the country and playing with the millions of lives impulsively and without strategic depth.
His visit here is to sow the seeds of discord between Pakistan and neighbors for his Western masters.
This is what happens when there's no democracy people like him without any considerable qualifications simply inherit power.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:04am
mr saudi defence minister please go back and fight your own war yourself. we dont want to be a part of your sectarian war.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:10am
"Saudi led coalition" what a joke, Pakistan should stay away from ME mess or they start by eliminating ISIS from syria, let's see if Saudis like that idea.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:10am
Pakistan should stay neutral and try to play a constructive role in mediating between the two countries. Pakistan needs to hold its interest paramount and should not get involve in any defence pact. We are still bringing stability within Pakistan and cannot take any chance to spoil what has been achieved.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:11am
Strict neutrality, please - Article 40, Constitution of Pakistan says: "The State shall endeavour to preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic unity, support the common interests of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means".
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Jan 10, 2016 09:13am
@MAZFUND USA Its their mess, they should clean it up. Why should we soil our selves in a conflict that threatens our own internal security.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:13am
@MAZFUND USA It is a self inflicted and self created need. Pakistan should stay out of this quagmire.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:22am
We should be neutral but ofcourse KSA is our friend and Iran is our neighbour so we should be very diplomatic.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:24am
Pakistan should show impartiality and invite Irans foreign minister as well to prove its neutrality.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:26am
Prime Minister!
For God sake, please do not get involved in this conflict. This is not good for Pakistan. We already have suffered a lot in the last 35 years. We need peace and prosperity for Pakistan and Pakistanis - Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:42am
KSA always helped Pak in the financial crises. Now this is Pak time to help KSA politically..
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Jan 10, 2016 09:48am
I don't know how this alliance will work, however, there is a lesson in all this for Pakistan. The lesson is "get on your own feet" if you want to make decisions independently and in the country's interest rather than accepting to be mercenaries.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:49am
@Kamran There you are right.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:50am
Pakistan should support Saudi Arabia, however, stay away from becoming a party to the conflict, which sees no end. After more than thirty years Pakistan has not been able to come out of its folly for its open involvement in Afghanistan war. Let's hope senses would prevail and interests of Pakistan would be protected first.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:53am
@Pakistani - JI leaders that were executed in an assassination type killings were born Pakistanis and after the Bangladesh was formed, there were a bilateral agreement and memorandum were signed between Pak. And BD that no one country would take any action against the citizens of Bangladesh who were former citizens of Pakistan that occurred before Dec 16, 1971, and in case of JI leaders, BD did not kept its responsibility. In case of Sheikh Nimr, he was a citizen of KSA and no other country has any right to interfere in a sovereign country's affair. I hope your memory is back now.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:55am
@MAZFUND USA .... Come back to Pakistan and help out.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:57am
Now in this difficult time it's our responsibility to help them because they help us a lot when Russia invaded Afghanistan
they not only send their people to fight against USSR but also provide all financial resources and thus good help us to defeat the big big monster and get success to stop him from occupying gwader
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Jan 10, 2016 10:02am
Realistically it looks like Pakistan cannot say no to Saudi Arabia. At this crucial time any minister or politician should avoid unnecessary remark or comment. This new situation is going to change the political scenario in the middle east and areas around Pakistan.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:05am
Please don't drag Pakistan into your war.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:13am
@Jafer. Khan Speak for youeself. Read the comments. Eighty percent dont want to get in with the Saudi mess.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:17am
Saudis are dragging Pakistan into another quagmire. Dangerous and seditionist compaign is flaring up. Young and inexperience Saudi Foreign Minister and Defence Minister are allegedly following American dictations vis a vis Middle Eastern Affairs.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:24am
Please divert his flight some place else.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:25am
Pakistan should take sides - with Iran for a good future.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:26am
Pakistan should seriously stay out of this sectarian war. KSA is planning to go all out against Iran (who in itself hasn't done much to stop this fire). Under the leadership of Salman and his inept Son Muhammad, KSA has become a dangerous country which is aiming for regional dominance. KSA has faced a lot of setbacks such as the failure to topple Assad and not being able to stop the P5+1 Iranian deal in cooperation with Israel.
Pakistan SHOULD not take sides in this issue since Pakistan has a very dynamic society. The only role Pakistan should have is the role of being a mediator between the two warring sides. Only clever political steps can save the region from burning.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:29am
Saudi royals please fight your own if you have strength else don't drag other nations
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Jan 10, 2016 10:31am
This co-operation deal will benifit some foot soldiers most likely. It must be done in favour of elder brother and some poor younger brothers.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:36am
In every hour of need Saudi Arabia is the only country that has stood by Pakistan. It is time that Pakistan fully and openly support Saudi Arabia!
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Jan 10, 2016 10:43am
Internal or external the question was about right and wrong
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Jan 10, 2016 10:43am
Pakistan must mediating betwen Iran and Ksa for the constructive Peace it is the time for the strong and united ummah
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Jan 10, 2016 10:47am
Why?
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Jan 10, 2016 10:47am
Please don't come.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:47am
You are Unwelcome.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:03am
I suspect Pakistani government has already assured KSA of its cooperation and which side it will back in the dispute between Iran and the Saudis, without making the decision public or consulting with the senate.
Notice also, no high profile visits from Iran have taken place. Because Iran already knows where Pakistan stands in the dispute.
'
So much for democracy!
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Jan 10, 2016 11:03am
@MAZFUND USA Come to Pakistan and Make your impact here practically.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:03am
@Jafer. Khan
Jafer which majority? Majority of sold out govt stooges to KSA?
Can't you see the clear and present danger if Pakistan support takes one side and go against other?
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Jan 10, 2016 11:04am
@Jafer. Khan O Really? Who are you kidding mate? Just read top voted comments here to know the truth.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:13am
come here we will welcome u bt would not compromise on our neutrlity n personal intersts.......don,t want money in the exchange of fight with our neighbours.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:15am
pakistan should return all the aid which it has taken from saudi over tthe years and keep out of this mess for subcontinental peace.
raghu
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Jan 10, 2016 11:19am
pakistan govt. please be a mediator ... the south asia and middle east in need peace desperately
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Jan 10, 2016 11:22am
@raghu, Thank you for the suggestions! Will keep you updated on this...
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Jan 10, 2016 11:26am
Meet everyone be friend with everyone. Just don't bring Middle East problems home. We have plenty of challenges to sort out. We are Pakistanis and for us it should always be Pakistan first. In the last 10 years, 40,000 Pakistan Army officers and Japan's have served in KSA. We should continue that practice, train them, sell them weapon, give them good advise, play the role of mediator between the two but hay don't put our soldiers in a foreign war. If it's a legit, let UN ask us to contribute soldiers, we will.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:29am
I think people who are supporting Saudi Arabia vocally are quite lost.... we can choose sides here. We will be doomed if we make this a sectarian issue. Pakistan where ShiaSunni are united will jump into the worst kind of sectarianism ever. We have to stand united and stay out of such a mess. This would be the biggest mistake Nawaz Sharif has committed in his entire life.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:30am
@MAZFUND USA
Not Really. We should not help anyone but ourselves.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:32am
@naqeeb welcome dude
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Jan 10, 2016 11:34am
Dear Pakistan, Please stay far far away from this mess.
Dear Saudia, Please forgive Pakistan...what is our mistake in all this? Why should we play any role. We have a long list of corrections for own house.
From a Pakistan
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Jan 10, 2016 11:39am
Saudis are making all out efforts to drag Pakistan in this scuffle.First for attacking Yemen and now this turn.Definitely they are not going to be at war with Iran but they need some BOOTS to go through Yemen against Houthis.
How Pakistani says its an internal affair if Iran protested for Sheikh Nimr,as he was a very well know scholar , very respected and a courageous scholar, with world wide follower ship..Its not only Iran who protested over this cruel execution but its humanity all over the world who are protesting from Canberra to Algeria, Pakistan to US everywhere.If Pakistan terms it as meddling in Saudi affairs, how they are always protest over hanging of JI leaders in Bangladesh.
If there are double standards followed by personal terms/business interests that excell national interest, we are again going to be ditched.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:55am
@Jafer. Khan Pakistan should stay out of this mess. Pakistan can not afford to spoil relations with Saudi or Iran. Taking side in Shia- Sunni conflict will be very harmful for Pakistan.
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Jan 10, 2016 11:57am
A friend in need is a friend indeed
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Jan 10, 2016 11:58am
Pakistan should strongly support KSA to show its commitment to the stability of our holy sites. Iran is our neighbour but they are supporting India against Pakistan by allowing them to build a port on Iranian soil. Iran should get a message that if they help our enemies they are not our friend.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:00pm
Pakistan should remain neutral. SA is in troubles due to its own policies, can't jump in other's war.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:02pm
This is a very powerful man thats visiting.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:12pm
well, lets see what is going next?
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Jan 10, 2016 12:23pm
Pakistan should stay away from these dirty sectarian wars.
No participation in unjust wars of other countries.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:25pm
This time the Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince himself visiting. It will be very difficult to say no to him.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:31pm
Pak must keep the larger picture in view. 1.7 billion Muslims are ridiculed for lack of leadership and vision. It is time to show maturity and thoughtfulness for suffering souls.
Though this a testing time, sure leaders will rise to the occasion & answer the call. It is an also occasion for taking our own affairs into our own hands.
Trust Pak leadership will not disappoint.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:36pm
Saudi Arabia is our strategic partner for a very long time and has helped us in each and every hour of our need (and that were many). On the other side are Irani Mullahs, who are very cold towards Pakistan and see India as their partner in this region. So we should give at least some support to KSA and on the other side make Iran understand that, we are not against them but security of Saudia is important to Pakistan. Iran is supporting Houthis and regimes like Bashar's and creating unrest in the whole middle east. Their would be no peace until both countries make some compromises.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:38pm
@Pakistani, Indeed Sheikh's execution was Saudi internal matter, no matter how wrong. But killing of Jamat leaders was not a Bangladesh issue, it is 100% Pakistan issue. These people were convicted for being patriotic to their home land when in was Pakistan until 71. Just because rebels won with the help of enemy does not make it their issue. I do not support Jamat and I am not a Pak person. But the fact is fact.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:52pm
Why these countries can't resolve their problems themselves?? For God sake leave us alone... These countries really are biggest headache for Pakistan
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Jan 10, 2016 01:06pm
...very soon...'The Prince' will be on the Road...!!
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Jan 10, 2016 01:17pm
All those having soft corner for Iran are most welcome to move there...Saudi Arabia already provides livelihood to more than 1.5m Pakistanis, who in return provide Pakistan with $5.6bn in inward remittances yearly. which is more than 25% of total remittances from abroad and plays a major role in stabilizing our economy and improving our foreign reserves.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:22pm
Friend in need is friend indeed. Golden opportunity for Pakistan to join coalition.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:26pm
we should stay out of it! we're already paying a very heavy price for our previous involvements.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:26pm
Pakistan has already enough problems to deal with. Why are they dragging us in their sectarian disputes???
Our Country facing to the terrorism therefore Send him back on his special plan.
Thanks
Your Best Regards
Najib Iqbal Shoro
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Jan 10, 2016 01:30pm
@Jafer. Khan, Which majority? Those who never win a single seat in parliaments.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:32pm
@sbk Why not say him to no.express our solidarity for all muslim ummah and humanity.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:50pm
As majority of the readers are saying we must stay away from this Middle Eastern quagmire, sanity demands that we respect their opinion.
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Jan 10, 2016 02:08pm
be neutral
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Jan 10, 2016 02:16pm
Pakistan will ultimately have to participate in affairs related to security of KSA. Its better take position on time. We should not get blackmailed by Iran's unnecessary interference into affairs of other countries. Iran has defence pact with India, we should honor our own friends
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Jan 10, 2016 02:18pm
maybe tranche of loans/payments in return for pakistani support via foreign policy and military. We dont need to be in this mess created purely by saudi royal family. It has nothing to do with religion. You need to travel within Western Europe to see their pathetic behaviour . Democracy is overdue in that part of the world!
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Jan 10, 2016 02:19pm
@Pakistani 100% agree with u
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Jan 10, 2016 02:19pm
@Jafer. Khan ,,,shabash we agree
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Jan 10, 2016 02:27pm
@Jaan Bhittani ...shabash 101% agree
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Jan 10, 2016 02:58pm
Saudis are guardian of holy Makkah. Please provide them all types assistance and guideline whatever and whenever seek from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Pakistan should continue the support of peace and harmony in the region after promoting bilateral and mutual relationships among the Arabic world. Saudis requiring defensive ties among us. We are already longtime standing agreement including defense and many others disciplines
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Jan 10, 2016 03:05pm
Pakistan is now between a rock and a hard place.
Damned if it says yes to Saudi, damned if it doesn't.
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Jan 10, 2016 03:19pm
Pakistan has already suffer, fighting others dirty wars.
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