Human rights in Saudi Arabia

E-Paper | March 17, 2026

ON June 23 a Pakistani, Ali Sher Chandio, who belonged to Dadu, was beheaded in Saudi Arabia. He had been in jail since 2005 and was allegedly accused of robbery and murder. He was buried in Saudi Arabia and his family members were not contacted by the Pakistan ambassador or the government of Pakistan. Also, the Pakistan government has no idea about the case.

A few months ago a Sri Lankan midwife was beheaded and after that 11 Bengalis were also beheaded.

Human rights’ activists have always opposed such action and declared it a violation of human rights. The violation of human rights is on the rise in Saudi Arabia. You cannot protest for your rights. Women are not allowed to drive.

Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia face a grim situation. They are treated like slaves. The government of Pakistan should take measures to resolve the various problems of overseas Pakistanis who have been living there for a long time, away from their children and family members.

DARYA KHAN CHANDIO

Hyderabad

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TAM

Jul 31, 2013 01:34pm

Dear Khan Sahib, My experience of following reader comments on DAWN.com over the years gives me a strong impression that the religious educated people of Pakistan believe Saudi Arabia and its people to be the holiest bunch and that we as Pakistanis should emulate them as role models in every thing we do if Pakistan is to become a truly Islamic country. But I agree with your grievance and support you.

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Anuj

Jul 31, 2013 02:01pm

It is difficult for any Pakistani govt to confront one of it's biggest fund supporters - S Arab sends a lot of money (albeit most to religious schools etc) officially and also unofficially through charities, PLUS a large population from Pakistan work in that nation for livelihood. How can a nation which disrespects South Asians in general and one which anyway supports Pak establishment with money be held accountable or challenged?

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Masood

Jul 31, 2013 04:26pm

Chandio Sahib is trying to be politically correct. If you have committed a crime you should pay for it. Do not defend the criminals like they do in Pakistan. Just see what the criminals and the court defences (in the name of human rights) done to Sindh and Pakistan.

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Rocky

Jul 31, 2013 09:57pm

Pity is that Pakistanis think themselves closer to the Saudis than towards any other South East Asian.

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Ali Muhammad

Aug 01, 2013 01:00am

I do not understand your problem. Are you saying punishing criminals with severe punishments is against human rights? I am not suggesting that Saudi Arabia is perfect or even close to perfect but Pakistan should learn from Saudi Arabia and strictly implement the rule of law. Exemplery punishments like beheading will deter people from committing heinous crimes which have become a daily norm in Pakistan.

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