We are KSA’s ally in terror war: Pak envoy

Pakistani ambassador Manzoorul Haq. (Courtesy photo)

RIYADH: Strongly condemning Monday’s terror attacks, people from all walks of life have expressed wholehearted support for the government.
Commenting on the news, Pakistani Ambassador Manzoorul Haq told the Arab News on Friday that terrorists have no religion or country.
“A Muslim cannot imagine doing acts of terrorism in the holy city of Madinah,” he stressed.
“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and solidly stand with the government and the people of Saudi Arabia in its fight against terrorism,” he said.
Security forces have arrested 19 people in connection with the acts of terror. Of the arrested, seven are Saudis and 12 Pakistanis.
“Saudi Arabia will triumph and terrorists will be defeated. This is our firm belief,” he asserted. Haq said the Kingdom is leading a 35-nation coalition of Muslim countries to combat terrorism, and Pakistan is a member of this coalition.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also denounced the barbaric attacks.
He expressed deep regret, stressing that “the Pakistani government and people stand with the Kingdom and its people, and share their grief.” Sharif also offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Punjab chief minister, Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistani Tahreek-e-Insaaf, Khurshid Shah, leader of the parliamentary opposition bloc have also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.
The Indian Embassy said: “We strongly condemn these terror attacks and offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wish speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries. We stand by the people and the Saudi government in our common fight against this abominable phenomenon which threatens all societies across the globe.”
It added: “India remains firmly committed to working closely and actively with Saudi Arabia to root out the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Majed Abdullah Alhedayan, senior columnist and a legal consultant at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “From time to time, the Saudi government shows the world, through the grace of the Almighty, that it ably confronts terrorism with all available means and security initiatives pre-empt and foil terror attempts.”
He added: “The fact that the Ministry of Interior tracked down the traitors indicates the full alertness of the security forces, shows that they are ready to contain terrorism by responding with professionalism and great efficiency.”
Mohammad Zeyad, a public relation executive, said: “Saudi security is a source of pride and we feel safe due to the security agencies’ dedication and professionalism, which thwart terror attempts. We salute their strong resolve to defend this nation, the cradle of Islam, and to make it safe and secure. The perpetrating such crimes must know they have no place either in this world or the thereafter.”