LAHORE: Tehreek Minhajul Quran Quaid Dr Muhammad Tahirul Qadri has stated that Pakistan-Saudi relations encompass seven decades of mutual respect and trust and Islamabad must handle bilateral affairs wisely, observing restraint.

He said in a statement here on Saturday that Riyadh has always been siding with Islamabad during testing times and there is no issue that cannot be resolved through negotiations between the two brotherly countries. He asserted that brotherly relations between the two countries are above the normal political, diplomatic and economic ties and any coldness in this regard would not be in the best interest of Pakistan, its people and the region.

He suggested against further straining of relations and called for settling the issues as early as possible. Dr Qadri also called for averting passing unnecessary comments and remarks on the mutual relations or making them a public issue. He cautioned that otherwise it would add to the difficulties of Pakistan which would be inappropriate particularly in the present circumstances.

He urged the government to show restraint and set its diplomatic policy about Riyadh wisely and tactfully.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2020