Saudi Arabia allows Israeli commercial planes en route to UAE to cross its airspace: senior US official
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Saudi Arabia agreed on Monday to let Israeli airliners cross its airspace en route to the United Arab Emirates after talks between Saudi officials and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, a senior Trump administration official said.
Kushner and Middle East envoys Avi Berkowitz and Brian Hook raised the issue shortly after they arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks. According to the Israeli i24news, the Tel Aviv administration asked Washington to persuade Saudi Arabia to allow use of its airspace and Kushner stepped in.
“We were able to reconcile the issue,” the official told Reuters.
The agreement was hammered out just hours before Israel’s first commercial flight to the UAE was planned on Tuesday morning. The Israir flight was at risk of being canceled with no overflight agreement.
An announcement by Saudi Arabia's official news agency said that the kingdom's civil aviation authority had approved a request by UAE's aviation authority "which includes the desire to allow flights coming to and departing from the United Arab Emirates to all countries to pass through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's airspace".
This will help the route of Israeli flights to UAE — to start from this month onwards — shorten by half.
The permit was only valid for the UAE and Israeli companies will not be allowed to use the Saudi Arabian airspace for flights to other countries, said Israel's local media report.
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the development, terming it a "tremendous breakthrough" and "benefits of a peace that is genuine". In a video message, he said that crossing through the Saudi airspace would shorten the journey from Israel to UAE. He also thanked Kushner and UAE crown prince for their "important contribution" towards the Saudi decision.
“This should resolve any issues that should occur with Israeli carriers taking people from Israel to the UAE and back and to Bahrain,” the US official said.
The direct flights are an offshoot of normalisation deals Israel reached this year with the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan.
Kushner and his team were to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later this week, as well as the emir of Kuwait. One goal of the trip is to try to persuade Gulf Cooperation Council countries to end a three-year blockade of Qatar.
In 2018, the Saudi kingdom granted approval to Air India to use its airspace to operate direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv.
In September this year, Saudi Arabia also allowed Israel's first commercial flight to UAE to cross its airspace.
Additional input by Anadolu Agency.
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Comments (160) Closed
Dec 01, 2020 04:38pm
cat is almost out of box. Saudia has made UAE, and other Arab states to recognize Israel and now will soon do the same..
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Dec 01, 2020 04:44pm
Lets see if Maulna Fazalul Rehman lodge a protest or call in a press conference to outline his views in light of muslim umma and his party. May be too busy with PDM:-)
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Dec 01, 2020 04:46pm
Denials, lies , and then the genie comes out of the box.
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Dec 01, 2020 04:48pm
A writing on the wall. Israel is a reality in Middle east and it does not seem to go anywhere else in the near future. However, one must think what concessions Arabs are being given to embrace Israel on the cost of Palestinians' cause.
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Dec 01, 2020 04:50pm
I never thought this is possible. I don't know how hard core Muslims react ! Good to see the change in Islamic countries but, What is the official reaction of Pakistan Government?
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Dec 01, 2020 05:10pm
Politics and business are two different matter
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Dec 01, 2020 05:14pm
it appears that gradually the autocratic arab states' policy matters will be dictated by israel
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Dec 01, 2020 05:16pm
More heartburn for some.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:18pm
Sensible - to allow.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:19pm
Time and tide wait for none
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Dec 01, 2020 05:23pm
Looks like in a haste to become developed the Arabs forgot their history!
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Dec 01, 2020 05:23pm
Didn't they already allowed it few weeks back. Anyways Iran should watch out no militarily plane crosses Saudi Arab masquerading as commercial jet. But keeping Iranian record at mind, I doubt they have the capability to detect the difference between the commercial plane and fighter jet (for e.g. shooting down Ukraine passenger plane).
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Dec 01, 2020 05:23pm
Israel is literally toying with Iran be it killing their top scientists or attacking nuclear facilities. Remember few months back Iran had multiple fire incidents on their nuclear sites. That was massive intelligence failure as well.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:24pm
Extortion of all benefits in the remaining 50 days!
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Dec 01, 2020 05:24pm
Nice, world is moving toward peace
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Dec 01, 2020 05:28pm
UAE and saudia days are numbered
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Dec 01, 2020 05:30pm
Common sense prevails.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:31pm
Pakistan is the guardian of the religion and can never be friendly with Israel.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:32pm
Saudis have allowed Israeli airline to overfly its airspace on the way to India for the past three years. This is a natural extension of that.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:33pm
This is not a good development for many. Need another round at OIC to raise discuss this sudden thaw in the relationship.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:36pm
Smart leaders anticipate the future and act on it now. MBS has done that. PMIK will probably stay in the past and just talk.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:46pm
Burn for some.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:48pm
Before long the Saudis will be licking Israeli feet.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:50pm
A reward for maintaining peace in the region by sending the scientist to heaven! Win win for the world!
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Dec 01, 2020 05:50pm
Pakistan should also allow Israeli passenger and cargo aircraft over its airspace.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:50pm
Good for the world. Thank you MBS.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:51pm
Another sad day for pakistan.
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Dec 01, 2020 05:53pm
This is no news, this has been there for sometimes now
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Dec 01, 2020 05:57pm
Saudi and UAE leadership is visionary
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Dec 01, 2020 06:03pm
Positive moves in the Middle East.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:04pm
This is the first step towards recognising Isreal by Saudi Arabia, full diplomatic relations will start soon. Simply, like UAE, Saudi Arabia also betrayed Palistinian people. I'm not surprised.
(Note: I have been advocating my impartial views for over 4 years against injustice, inequality, corruption, oppression and nepotism without supporting any of the political parties. My family, country and people's well-being are far more important to me than anything else. Please be aware of fake ID!).
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Dec 01, 2020 06:06pm
Traitors.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:09pm
So finally the distance to destination is cut down?
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Dec 01, 2020 06:19pm
Pakistan is the only Islamic country in true sense. No compromise from ideology.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:20pm
These current Arab leaders wont be alive to see the consequences of their decisions. Thats what makes me sad the most.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:23pm
Middle East countries cannot survive with oil only.Already taxes are levied.Isreal technical capabilities can’t be ignored.Saudi and USE are already implementing reforms.Religion and politics cannot go together.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:25pm
It is time to reality and Pakistan to accept its unacceptable political policies on international issues.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:26pm
Let's wait and see which city of Pakistan shows tire burning, bus burning, vandalism capacity first, which group announces Buycott saudi Arabia first.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:27pm
@MarK, Yes, indeed, destination remains X.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:27pm
Saudi Duplicity!!!
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Dec 01, 2020 06:30pm
It was never a big secret. So not a huge revelation either.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:34pm
It's a business deal between the Saudis, UAE, and Israel if any other country doesn't like it so be it.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:35pm
@Bipin, "Pakistan is the only Islamic country in true sense. No compromise from ideology." Until there is some solid proposals.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:36pm
Looks like Pakistan is getting ready to be isolated again.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:36pm
@C S Sundaresha, The official response of the Pakistan government is to Reject it.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:36pm
@Atif, I doubt if Israel cares if Pakistan recognizes it or not.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:37pm
@ahmad, Ahmad Sahib, Every Country needs to improve it's Economy and thereby improve the Standard of Living of its inhabitants.Countries may have differences since time Immortal but it should not come in the way of improving its Economy.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:38pm
Full display of Muslim world...
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Dec 01, 2020 06:38pm
@Khan, are you advocating their assassinations?
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Dec 01, 2020 06:38pm
@divergence, This is correct Comment.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:41pm
Saudi Arabia is a visionary nation, Pakistan must learn something from it.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:42pm
So.Why you concerned?
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Dec 01, 2020 06:43pm
@Yasir, "Traitors"
What ?!? Saudi and UAE provides job opportunities for millions of Pakistanis and generate forex remittance in billions. Have some gratitude.
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Dec 01, 2020 06:44pm
@Jay,
" Looks like in a haste to become developed the Arabs forgot their history!.. "
And some Asian country also forgot their History...
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Dec 01, 2020 06:45pm
Like it or not, this is the only way to achieve peace in Middle East....Israel and Saudis should work together....
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Dec 01, 2020 06:50pm
Great development
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Dec 01, 2020 06:56pm
@Browngirl, you cannot legislate for others
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Dec 01, 2020 06:58pm
@John, Will never reach there.(Destination)
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Dec 01, 2020 07:00pm
Good development. Peace and friendship with Israel is good.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:00pm
Bravo!
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Dec 01, 2020 07:08pm
Meanwhile Palestine continues to suffer.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:13pm
@ahmad, Back stabber! Can someone see Palestine blood on their cloths?
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Dec 01, 2020 07:18pm
There are no permanent friends or enemies in international relations. Only permanent interests. The sooner you get it, the better it is.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:25pm
It's their air space,it's their wish.Who is anybody to interfere
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Dec 01, 2020 07:25pm
Running out of money.... So make everyone friends now..... Disgraceful
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Dec 01, 2020 07:28pm
@Khan, Do you think the same applies for Turkey and Azerbaijan who have much more closer relationship with Israel?
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Dec 01, 2020 07:29pm
Pakistan must take action. This is not acceptable.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:31pm
@Atif, I bet, U turn will follow soon. Don’t forget your words.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:35pm
@ahmad,
cat is almost out of box. ""
Question now is " When is cat getting into the bag"
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Dec 01, 2020 07:47pm
Next step diplomatic relations with Israel. Saudis are doing step by step to make fool to people of Saudi Arabia.
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Dec 01, 2020 07:48pm
Can Pakistani mullahs say against Arabs?
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Dec 01, 2020 07:51pm
This is what is called progress
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Dec 01, 2020 07:51pm
Pakistan is isolated
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Dec 01, 2020 07:52pm
All this means Pakistan has no support for Kashmir.
Seems India wins
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Dec 01, 2020 07:52pm
No protest on China and Uighurs?
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Dec 01, 2020 07:55pm
Welcome to the club and clubhouse Saudi. Hang on tough.
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Dec 01, 2020 08:05pm
I wish India and Pakistan come to their senses and find a lasting peace
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Dec 01, 2020 08:10pm
No emergency meeting of OIC!!
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Dec 01, 2020 08:11pm
Where are the so called religious parties now ?
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Dec 01, 2020 08:20pm
Not surprised
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Dec 01, 2020 08:22pm
Forget flights, Saudi itself will be part of greater Israel
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Dec 01, 2020 08:23pm
@Madaiyan, Any actionable proof?
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Dec 01, 2020 08:27pm
Our islamic republic must snap diplomatic ties with both emirates and saudia. Long live palestine cause...
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Dec 01, 2020 08:35pm
@Browngirl, Pakistan can make some cash by doing so. Nothing wrong in that.
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Dec 01, 2020 08:35pm
@Khan, HOW?
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Dec 01, 2020 08:40pm
@Khan, Nothing will happen. All Arab States will recognize Israel and live in harmony.
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Dec 01, 2020 08:44pm
Saudis are the sold lot anyway!!
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Dec 01, 2020 08:45pm
It is an organised move by the Americans to capture the Arab world resources!!
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Dec 01, 2020 08:51pm
@Dr. Madhusudhan Reddy Tokala, yes this makes lot sense
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Dec 01, 2020 09:00pm
everyday saudis coward stories
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Dec 01, 2020 09:10pm
Farce of the VISIONARY !
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Dec 01, 2020 09:17pm
Pakistan should boycott saudi like they did in case of france
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Dec 01, 2020 09:19pm
@sultan e jahan,
Mr. sultan e jahan,
" it appears that gradually the autocratic arab states' policy matters will be dictated by Israel. "
It appears?
Definitely, Arabs will be under Israel.
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Dec 01, 2020 09:19pm
Pakistan boycott Saudi and UAE instead of petty jobs for their Citizens
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Dec 01, 2020 09:21pm
soon pakistan will also allowed ,, wait and watch.
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Dec 01, 2020 09:31pm
@Dr. Amir ,
Mr. Dr. Amir,
" Can Pakistani mullahs say against Arabs? "
The paid Maulanas by the Arabs will not say a single word but give positive speeches with manipulation.
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Dec 01, 2020 09:35pm
@Omar,
Mr. Omar,
" Where are the so called religious parties now ? "
Only the religious parties related to the Arabs will preserve silence because such relation is their source of income only.
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Dec 01, 2020 09:48pm
@Khan, forget about them.. think for yourself now..
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Dec 01, 2020 09:49pm
@@Phobia, perfect answer
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Dec 01, 2020 09:54pm
@Ibrahim S , i expected better from you
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Dec 01, 2020 10:07pm
@AZAM AKBAR , they only say against Iran
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Dec 01, 2020 10:32pm
@C S Sundaresha, what difference that will make?
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Dec 01, 2020 10:35pm
Where are all the maulanas of Pakistan now?
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Dec 01, 2020 10:46pm
OIC Meeting was winning the World Cup
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Dec 01, 2020 10:49pm
Moment of reckoning for umma. Get on with the program, or be left out.
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Dec 01, 2020 10:52pm
All the Maulanas of Pakistan are tongue-tied when it comes to controversial actions taken by the MBS or KSA, for good reason ...
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Dec 01, 2020 10:53pm
so much for the protectors of the 2 holy places! They have just shown us their real face.
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Dec 01, 2020 11:00pm
Welcome move by Saudi Arabia... Now Israel is accepted by bigger Arab countries..
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Dec 01, 2020 11:07pm
Now Imran Khan is proven as the real hero, will win any election in Pakistan
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Dec 01, 2020 11:12pm
Another special OIC session, please!
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Dec 01, 2020 11:13pm
Need Burnol!
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Dec 01, 2020 11:17pm
More time can now be spent on internal matters. Right?!
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Dec 01, 2020 11:50pm
@Ali, the supporters of Al Aqsa sharif
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Dec 01, 2020 11:53pm
@Ather, A lot of them sold themselves to the NAJDI EMIRATE.
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Dec 02, 2020 12:02am
One must accept reality that Israel is and will remain and it is so powerful that all OIC countries could nod match ...Jordan Egypt accepted Israel .UAE, Bahreen ,Sudan too did.KSA is soft. may follow soon .Only Turkey ,Iran and Pakistan will be consoling Palestine.Some one said there is no permanant friend or foe in politics .Iran was best American friend few years back and so was Pakistan a blue eyed boy of Nixon who bridged US to China
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Dec 02, 2020 12:08am
To my dear Arab brothers, Palestine is almost all occupied now and next on the chopping block is guess who? UAE to start with and soon to be Egypt and after that KSA. Mark my words.
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Dec 02, 2020 12:15am
Great News... Keep it up.
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Dec 02, 2020 12:25am
For peace to reign on earth, humans must evolve into new beings who have learned to see the whole first. World peace can be achieved when, in each person, the power of love replaces the love of power. Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace. I think it’s naive to pray for world peace if we’re not going to change the form in which we live. Let's make a big change and removed the hatred from our hearts.
Thank you for visionary leadership of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
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Dec 02, 2020 12:29am
Israel is a Superpower of the Middle East so my Pakistani friends doesn't matter you accept the reality or deny it but remember, sooner or later you have to digest it..
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Dec 02, 2020 12:36am
Bin Salman has sold KSA.
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Dec 02, 2020 12:38am
Preferring personal interests over religion and morality. Ungortunate
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Dec 02, 2020 12:59am
"Saudi Arabia establish ties with Israel" news to hear soon.
Stay tuned!
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Dec 02, 2020 01:20am
The Arab states are sold out.
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Dec 02, 2020 01:22am
Arabs have sold themselves to US.
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Dec 02, 2020 01:42am
Notice El Al, the Israeli airline and PIA have such similar insignia and graphics on their planes. Wouldn't it be great to extend a hand of friendship and reunite the twins from 1947.
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Dec 02, 2020 01:42am
@Ather,
Mr. Äther,
" Where are all the maulanas of Pakistan now? "
Those Maulanas preserve and will preserve silence who are being paid by the Arabs.
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Dec 02, 2020 01:45am
@Bipin, Good joke
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Dec 02, 2020 01:51am
good job KSA
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Dec 02, 2020 02:00am
Another big milestone for the Saudi success against Palestinian cause!
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Dec 02, 2020 02:03am
@Swati , thank for your comment. yes, not only Maulana Rahman,the alliance and every other parties should protest it.
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Dec 02, 2020 02:42am
When the going gets tough and the intensive pressure from the White House gets rough, only the toughest and roughest get going..
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Dec 02, 2020 02:56am
but where is OIC statement denoucement is this treachery!
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Dec 02, 2020 02:59am
the ideology that led to the creation of pakistans is almost at the end.....2021-2022:the end.
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Dec 02, 2020 03:08am
IK will be crying in his pillow tonight
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Dec 02, 2020 03:15am
Saudi Arabia is a wise country. She knows who butter's her bread. Smart move Saudi.
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Dec 02, 2020 03:23am
Saudi’s true face is revealing. Sacred place but no so sacred rulers.
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Dec 02, 2020 04:09am
One Pakistani laborer working in Saudi Arabia supports 10 family members back home. Be ready for consequences on your country when criticizing the Saudis.
AKW
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Dec 02, 2020 04:29am
Good for KSA. This will add " prestige " to the Saudi Kingdom. Thank you, Mr. Kushner
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Dec 02, 2020 05:03am
Wise decision.
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Dec 02, 2020 05:07am
Pakistani government is confused as all backers like Saudi, UAE, China, Turkey are going to have normal relations with Israel. Now Pakistan is clubbed with Iran only and Iran does not like Pakistan and may give some statements of support only as right now they are stuck with sanctions.
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Dec 02, 2020 05:50am
Saudi government has no power to say NO before US & Israel so the green light. Time has come when whole Middle East will be put on wheel chairs and US & Israel will push them at their desired slots, unfortunately.
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Dec 02, 2020 06:09am
whatever the western masters says, the Kingdom will oblige and bow their heads to the ground in respect of their orders.
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Dec 02, 2020 06:17am
A reward for putting a huge dent in Iranian nuclear program?
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Dec 02, 2020 07:26am
Saudi pragmatism.
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Dec 02, 2020 07:30am
Where is two state solution for Palestinians and Israelis?
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Dec 02, 2020 07:33am
It's the darkest day in the history of Muslim empire and Muslim Umma.
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Dec 02, 2020 07:44am
When Pakistan will boycott Israeli and Saudi products/services?
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Dec 02, 2020 07:48am
@C S Sundaresha, It is reaction of hardcore muslims only. Pragmatic muslims who were suffocating has now come out in open.
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Dec 02, 2020 07:56am
So, what will the converted Muslims of South Asia do? Should we disown Saudi Arabia and UAE and stop 10 billion dollar remittances? We are already dying of starvation. Do we need to project ourselves as more Muslims than the Arabs? I am mighty confused.
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Dec 02, 2020 07:56am
@Atif, going by this logic, you should also not be friends with China but you call them your iron brother?
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Dec 02, 2020 07:58am
@Bipin, Uighurs? They don't fit into your definition if ideology?
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Dec 02, 2020 08:02am
Right step to bring peace in the region
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Dec 02, 2020 08:02am
@Ibrahim S, can happen only when power comes to the elected civilian govt..
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Dec 02, 2020 08:23am
@C S Sundaresha, Nothing, no body cares for Pakistan.
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Dec 02, 2020 08:36am
I wont be surprised if after convincing the Aràbs a resolution is passed in OIC to recognise Israel
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Dec 02, 2020 09:00am
@Bipin, Pakistan should form its own OIC with Turkey
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Dec 02, 2020 09:10am
Get ready for Israel and Saudi Ambassadors' exchange.
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Dec 02, 2020 09:12am
@Atif, Who made Pakistan the Guardian?
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Dec 02, 2020 09:13am
@Ss, What does it have to do with Paksitan?
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Dec 02, 2020 01:03pm
Welcome to the club and THE clubhouse. Hang on tough?
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