Saudi FM arriving to discuss Pakistan's involvement in 34-nation military alliance
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ISLAMABAD: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday to take Pakistani leadership into confidence over the Middle East situation and the recently formed 34-nation military alliance by the kingdom, it has been learnt.
Officials at the Foreign Office confirmed that the arriving foreign minister will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday.
The Saudi Arabia's foreign minister will also hold meetings with prime minister’s adviser Sartaj Aziz.
The officials further said that the purpose of the visit is to consult Pakistan’s leadership over joining the anti-terrorism alliance.
Saudi Arabia had earlier announced the formation of a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism. The inclusion of Pakistan in this alliance drew a mixed response from Islamabad.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said he was surprised to read the news that Saudi Arabia had named Pakistan as part of the alliance.
The Foreign Office later welcomed the formation the alliance but said Islamabad is awaiting further details in this regard to to decide the extent of its participation.
Pakistan has consistently supported all regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism and, to this end, has extended its full support and cooperation to international community, the FO stated.
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Comments (113) Closed
Jan 02, 2016 08:41pm
Please stay away from Saudi's sectarian force that will be used to tear the Muslim world apart.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:42pm
KSA is broke, they cannot even pay their own bills, so how are they expected take care of an alliance if there ever going to be one.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:44pm
Pakistan should distance itself from this so-called alliance which is being made just to save the Saudi Monarchy
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Jan 02, 2016 08:45pm
No thank you. We like to stay away from middle eastern issues. We have too many of our own issues to deal with.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:47pm
Let Saudis go the the minister from UAE and ask for him to beg Pakistan's help. Last time they were threatening Pakistan!
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Jan 02, 2016 08:48pm
Stay away. KSA is an opportunistic monarchy. They don't care about Muslim world, they uses us as their pawn. Stand up to these monarchs. This alliance is against the unity of Muslim countries.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:51pm
I'm not a Shia but today Saudi executed Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia. If Saudi thinks they can bring peace by this attitude then there won't be any peace. Pakistan should get into that alliance only if Pakistan is given command and also there should be an honest effort to eradicate terrorism not a battleground for a fight between Shia and Sunni.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:51pm
what's the purpose of having state of the art weapons and still you need some other country army men to fight your war.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:52pm
@Naveed don't forget KSA employed over 1.5 million Pak citizens. Other economical help has a long list. However, even if we consider simple friendship rules, Pak can't turn away. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:53pm
Sir Mr Adel FM KSA pls keep away from Pak, on ur advice Pak suffered huge looses in Afghan war. Pls first stop bombing Yemen & Syria, stop killing people in E.Province.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:58pm
@MSD You know how many Indians employed in Saudi Arabia....
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Jan 02, 2016 09:02pm
This guy needs to be firmly told that Pakistan is not going to fight Saudi wars in Yemen and Syria.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:05pm
Saudi autocrat please go back to your country and clear your own mess. We dont want to take any part in your dirty plans.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:08pm
KSA... LEAVE US ALONE!
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Jan 02, 2016 09:10pm
Please tell the Saudis to first send the alliance to Pakistan to fight off terrorism in northern areas .
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Jan 02, 2016 09:14pm
Stay away from another war. We must learn from our mistakes.
Maybe an opportunity for Saudi FM and U.S. to apologies for getting involved in Affhan war.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:16pm
Pakistan's commitment to SA, if there is any, only deals with to defend the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, which is defensive in nature. We are not in business to fight offensive wars on the behalf of house of Saud.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:17pm
Pakistan should not join. PM has personal interest to please KSA. Surprising as to why do they ask Pakistan to join?
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Jan 02, 2016 09:18pm
@MSD are we not paying the price for this friendship until today? We lost our culture, generation and economy by getting ourselves involved in afghan war- thanks to Our Friends including Saudis....
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Jan 02, 2016 09:23pm
There should be a strong demonstration protesting against Pakistan's participation in this sectarian war.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:28pm
Pakistan should indeed join the Muslim united force and ensure that all Muslim countries are cleared from terrorist activities. We need to approach this in a mature fashion and not engage in unnecessary sectarian rhetoric. Terrorism is a common problem for the Muslim World and hence a collective approach is needed and warranted.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:30pm
Pakistan should take care its own defense,
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Jan 02, 2016 09:30pm
@Osama bin Khalid iran will most probably be included in this alliance. You cant just draw conclusions on these large regional issues. Pakistan and other muslim countries ha benefitted enormously from gulf countries , that is something you cannot deny.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:30pm
Enough with arabs....Pakistan need peace and progress.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:31pm
@MSD yes from your own petrol bill. Stop purchasing oil, the peace will suddenly descend upon this crisis world.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:37pm
Terrorism is the global problem
We must stand with the World, we must stand with brotherly country Saudi Arabia.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:37pm
We remembered as soon as as Nawaz government selected in 2013, Saudis gave 1 billion $ to Nawaz ... For what? I believe Pakistan must away from these bunch & if they wanted so called Islamic alliance then they must include all the muslim countries including Iran ... Pakistan stay away from all the wars plz plz
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Jan 02, 2016 09:41pm
Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt should just take over this desert menace and divide the oil fields. They have bankrolled this Salafist doctrine that is engulfing the world in flames.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:43pm
Stay away from the political religious ambitions of Saudi Arabia and Iran, both are destabilizing factors in the Muslim world...
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Jan 02, 2016 09:43pm
Pakistan can ill afford to get involved is Saudi Iran mess. Pakistan must inform both to look at their actions that are causing such destruction in Middle East and elsewhere. Above all we need to tell them both to stop funding various elements in Pakistan.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:44pm
It is also high time that Iran should start following the rest of the Muslim World & stop pursuing a loner agenda. Iran's agenda in Syria & Yemen is very clear - support governments of small minority community over a different majority. This is like supporting MQM led federal government in Pakistan!
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Jan 02, 2016 09:45pm
@Karachitee
Some some lives are cheaper than others?
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Jan 02, 2016 09:46pm
we do not want to get involved with the saudis war.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:55pm
How much Saudi Finance Minister can pay us ?
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Jan 02, 2016 10:03pm
After recent executions, Saudi Arabia has no face to show. Do not allow him in.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:11pm
Pakistan with 200 million people is the strongest Islamic country with nuclear weapons. Yet, no country in the world has suffered more than Pakistan with 60,000 killed and over 100 billion dollar economic loss due to terrorism. Therefore, Pakistan should be leading the fight against terrorism. Why has that not happened?
Our government has "failed" to lead, legislate tough anti-terrorism laws and prosecute terrorists swiftly. It is shocking that some of our political parties even have links with terrorists. Pakistan is called the epicentre of world terrorism. Pakistan should end this nonsense of good and bad terrorist, both are evil. Therefore, if Saudi Arabia or any other country takes initiative against terrorism, it should be welcomed and Pakistan should strongly support it.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:14pm
Pakistan would be well advised to stay away from any military alliance with KSA which is divisive at best amongst Muslim states. Pakistan should only offer military assistance if and when any of the holy places are are directly threatened!
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Jan 02, 2016 10:15pm
No he is here to order ground troops for Syria.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:18pm
Pure Evil People.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:20pm
If our leadership has vision then it will refrain to join any sectarianism alliance. It is time to unite Muslim Ummah not divide it on sectarianism. Learn from Indonesia, it has the courage to say "NO" to join any sectarianism alliance.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:23pm
Any actual involvement with the criminals and even the semblance of it will be detrimental for Pakistan. Please stay away from Arabs.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:26pm
@Osama bin Khalid - you can't - there are huge strategic, political and economical imperatives involved here!
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Jan 02, 2016 10:30pm
Stat away from the arabs. Apart from the religion we have nothing in common.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:32pm
Keep out of middle east.... None of our concern !
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Jan 02, 2016 10:33pm
Thanks for putting Pakistan's name in
the coalition , but next time please ask first
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Jan 02, 2016 10:33pm
People of Pakistan has no value in Saudi Arabia due to these Sheikh and their policy of discrimination and injustice with Pakistanis. So please make sure you are representing all Pakistanis. By the way ask from him why they deported our Pakistanis who have been working in KSA for many years. Why these sheikhs don't ask India for help. Though KSA govt gave handsome wages to Indian nationals in KSA compared to Pakistanis.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:38pm
Please tell him Thank you but no thank you.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:41pm
Pakistan will suffer either way. Select least pain alternate.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:45pm
There are lots of rotten Saudi Student coming to study English in USA. I see them interact with them on daily basis. They new generation has the same mindset as the older generation. They think the World owe them since they sit on Oil. For them Pakistanis are fakir. KSA is run by a single family and we all have suffered with that for decades. Sharif and Bhutto families. If we still like to lick Saudi's feet then continue the same practice since one day another corrupt leader might need a place to hide and Saudi's a famous to offer that to anyone as long as the person is corrupt.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:49pm
Pakistani leaders must listen - No to Saudi Arabia. No need to fight others wars. We need to focus on fixing out own house. No short term gain. Wake up and learn from Afghanistan war which was initially financed by Saudi funding. Foreign office please say NO to Saudi Arabia. Offer them Tea and biscuits and don't forget to kiss their cheeks on their way out and that's it.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:04pm
Pakistan certainly welcomes its inclusion into the alliance for peace... Lets work together to counter threats emanating from South Asia to Middle East... Cooperation with China, US and Russia will ensure grand alliance to effectively create a security corridor especially to help peace loving developing nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan etc... and bring them into the fold...
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Jan 02, 2016 11:04pm
King is just interested in saving kingship rest are nothing more than beggars !
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Jan 02, 2016 11:06pm
I have been praying for Pakistan's safety and well being for 45 years.
I'm praying for Pakistan now.
Please, stay out of that coalition...
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Jan 02, 2016 11:07pm
Welcome him. Tell him we are not a monarchy but a democracy. Parliament will be presented Saudi proposals. Decision of Parliament will be informed in due course of time. In the meantime Pakistan should assure them our best wishes.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:13pm
pakistan should lead the muslim world with love & logic & this is the best time, give blank refuse to illogicall & inhuman arostocracy!
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Jan 02, 2016 11:15pm
Say no to any misadventure by Saudi Arabia.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:24pm
@Shahzad S Iqbal : So why the majority of Bahrainis repressed by the Saudis and minority Al-Khalifa regime?
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Jan 02, 2016 11:25pm
These saudis are acting as the greatest evil in the muslim world. Doing their best to divide the muslim ummah. They did it before and they are doing it again.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:25pm
@Karachitee, Excellent!!!
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Jan 02, 2016 11:25pm
There is only ONE Ummah. No Shia, no Sunni - all are brothers and sisters.
Please remember...
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Jan 02, 2016 11:26pm
There should be a huge demonstration at the airport against Saudi atrocities. This person Al-Jubair doesn't look like someone you can trust.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:26pm
Please god let us not get dragged into Saudi Arabias obsessions. They clearly need is more than we need them. And despite the fact that they've given us aid, we've spent more money combating the extremism they have spread in our society.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:37pm
Pakistan has suffer a lot in these issues. Please stay away from sectarian alliances.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:39pm
@Shahzad S Iqbal Why they did not include Iran, Yemen and Lebanon in this alliance.
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Jan 02, 2016 11:47pm
A trap
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Jan 02, 2016 11:49pm
@MSD there is a difference between being a friend And using us as mercenaries to do their dirty work.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:00am
@MSD but we can't join Arab Iran war.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:02am
Not to discuss. To tell inform Pakistan of the expections.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:03am
@Naveed "KSA is broke, they cannot even pay their own bills" It's not about money. It's about principle. We have a large Shia population in Pakistan who are our own brothers. We cannot alienate them for Saudi's sake. Besides, it's none of our business who rules Syria.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:06am
Thanks but no thanks we good Saudi with out you.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:06am
Pakistan should only help find most wanted criminals and help bring peace in the Muslim world and not let a single man die. The whole world needs justice not more killing. Let's fight for love and peace on earth. No more wars, no more wars, no more wars.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:15am
Correction----it's now 33 nations as Indonesia has already opted out of it
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Jan 03, 2016 12:23am
Pakistani leaders please do think about the consequences of a misadventure.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:23am
What pakistanis missing there is that without the financial support for our nuclear and military from Saudi we will not have been here(ARMY). we owe Saudis and lets not forget the millions of Pakistanis are basically are living earning Saudi rials. we have to think what Iran did for us, and that is nothing.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:30am
time is right to form an effective military alliance with KSA and Turkey against terrorists
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Jan 03, 2016 12:32am
Iran has already said they are ready to join any Alliance lead by any country but that Alliance should first teach lesson to Israeli on its terrorism to Palestinians.
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Jan 03, 2016 12:46am
@Shahzad S Iqbal : This was my idea first time published in the form of a research paper in 1997 in an academic journal. In my later research, I also gave three-phase plan until 2050 on the issue that how peace, stability and prosperity can be achieved in the Muslim World, and how these plans can be financed. These things published in various other journals. Interestingly, afterward many world leaders talked about same ideas without mentioning the original source. I don't need credit from anyone, I only pray and wish for peace and security all over the world.
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Jan 03, 2016 01:09am
These are highly sensitive matters. Pakistan's minister should refrain from giving irresponsible remarks or comments. In these situation it is better not to give a statement than to give a statement before things becomes clear.
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Jan 03, 2016 01:19am
@MSD .... Pakistan can sign up without really going to war in the number of troops are not specified. Naturally their FM is informed on the reason Pakistani troops are needed at home.
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Jan 03, 2016 01:32am
No and no.
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Jan 03, 2016 01:50am
@Osama bin Khalid ...friend, it is the Iran
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Jan 03, 2016 01:53am
No thanks we had enough of fighting for arabs now stop it please
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Jan 03, 2016 02:02am
What are the trying to rope Pakistan into now..?
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Jan 03, 2016 02:21am
@MSD KSA has far better friends and far deeper alliance with a country that's a major power house not only in the MidEast but in the whole big world. KSA must form its alliance with its best ally that is Israel to put up its fight against terrorism and with that KSA would need no other country in its alliance. That shall be the most natural alliance as Birds of the same feathers will make the best flight together.
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Jan 03, 2016 02:23am
Mr. FM of KSA. Stay away from Pakistan. Our boys are not for hire. The sons & daughters of Pakistan are in Uniform to defend Pakistan only.
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Jan 03, 2016 02:37am
Listen to them....but say "NO".....
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Jan 03, 2016 02:44am
Pakistan MUST reject coalition with Saudis and stay out of their mess. If Pakistan does get involved then its long term effects will be devastating inside Pakistan.
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Jan 03, 2016 02:50am
KSA read the comments here and do not send your FM.
WILL YOU PLEASE !
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Jan 03, 2016 02:53am
He is coming to confirm this years houbra hunting quota.
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Jan 03, 2016 03:22am
Some people can't take no for an answer
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Jan 03, 2016 03:34am
These guys should first show some respect to Pakistanis working in Saudi . They treat them like animals . These guys don't care about humanity ...they only care about saving them selves and Pakistan should not take part in any collation formed by these monkeys . We are finally experiencing stability after havoc of 15 years . We will not go from the pot into the fire . Send this guy back home !
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Jan 03, 2016 04:49am
No Thank you - It is difficult but I'm sure there are several ways of saying that, its about time that we find one.
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Jan 03, 2016 05:15am
Too divisive and too dangerous for Pakistan's security.
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Jan 03, 2016 05:35am
We are still suffering from the first involvement in Foreign war. Please don't fall into any trap this time around.
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Jan 03, 2016 06:04am
Say no. Pakistan says no thank you.
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Jan 03, 2016 06:05am
Can we have a vote for joining this alliance in parliament once again? Who knows we might be pleasantly surprised for a 2nd time if parliament refuses to join this alliance.
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Jan 03, 2016 06:15am
@Osama bin Khalid ..... No one is using the Saudis. The Saudis are using you.
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Jan 03, 2016 06:17am
@Naveed ..... The Saudis have hundreds of billions in real estate and stock market investments.
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Jan 03, 2016 06:22am
Free Advise to GOP:
NO
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Jan 03, 2016 06:30am
@Ravi ... Petrol? Stop using kerosene and heating oil.
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Jan 03, 2016 07:07am
Under no circumstances should Pakistani blood spill in other people;s wars.
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Jan 03, 2016 07:16am
Welcome sir.
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Jan 03, 2016 07:30am
@saber progress -without oil from Arab world, u must be joking !!!!!
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Jan 03, 2016 07:36am
@Cyrus Buy oil from countries which oersue peaceful means, better instead go for alternative source. Some countries gave ideal brain which us breeding devils ideas.
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Jan 03, 2016 07:39am
@Adnan : Absolutely correct
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Jan 03, 2016 07:39am
Please stay away from Saudi Arabia please.
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Jan 03, 2016 08:08am
Pakistan needs to be blunt with Saudi Arabia -- don't take Pakistan for granted.
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Jan 03, 2016 08:32am
@MSD We should have some dignity & sovereignty of our own and foremost should be future of Pakistan and at an age of 67 year we are standing on crutches ! Look at the elite class who are ruling this country since the independence are well-off and living like kings and on the contrary Pakistan(Common people) is living below the poverty line and getting worst with the time.
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Jan 03, 2016 08:46am
Saudi monarchy's attempt to survive. We must keep distance from the said alliance.
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Jan 03, 2016 09:01am
The root cause of Middle East problems is the House of Saud. From planting madrassas in Pakistan to create Talibans to Iraq Iran War to Syrian crisis and funding Saddam Hussain to do miserable things to his own people. You don't have to be Einstein to find out. Now propping up the worst regime ever in Egypt under a Military Dictator Sissy. It looks like House of Saud is always right when with its petrodollar it buys other country's loyalty and friendship without earning. This is an assessment of a person who has worked and lived with AGCC citizens particularly Saudis, and I am very frustrated by their system of Governance and Justice which is shame to all Muslim World.
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Jan 03, 2016 09:06am
@MSD Do you know the meaning of the word 'Friend'? Look at the meaning before using a word.
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Jan 03, 2016 09:09am
Pakistan should never have no Alliance with any AGCC country except Oman which has distanced itself from the corrupt lot in other AGCC countries. The worst being the House of Saud and all the Rulers of Saudi Arabia since 1953 when the Founder Abdul Aziz Bin Saud died. All his sons with only exceptions amongst them was the Late Shah Feisal, who was taken out by one of their own when he took on America to impose an Oil embargo in 1973.
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Jan 03, 2016 11:28am
As per Al Jazeera TV report, the announcement of 34 nation alliance is a result of rift a between the two ruling members of the Kingdom. The one who wanted to prove superiority, announced in haste without consulting it with the respective countries. Indonesia already separated itself from this so called alliance.
There seems to be no prior consultations or any sort of planning to undertake such a clausal task. At our end, we need to first discuss and then decide such matters in our National Assembly.
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