Man held for protesting against Saudi Arabia

E-Paper | March 16, 2026

ISLAMABAD: A man has been arrested for protesting against Saudi Arabia and trespassing inside the Diplomatic Enclave, police said on Wednesday.

The suspect was later produced in court and was sent to jail on a judicial remand.

Earlier, various gatherings of a few dozen people assembled in front of the Diplomatic Enclave near Shams Gate, police said. They added that the groups were protesting over Kashmir and against Saudi Arabia.

Some people were also carrying placards inscribed with, and chanting, slogans against Saudi Arabia.

The gatherings were asked to disperse by the police, as such assemblies were banned in the city. Police said that all but one man left. The man was identified as Syed Nasir Mehdi.

“He refused to disperse and attempted to enter the enclave and go towards the Saudi embassy, despite being warned that entry to and protests inside the enclave were banned,” police said.

They said the suspect jumped over the enclave wall and ran towards the embassy.

They said he was intercepted by police personnel within the enclave. He was then shifted to the Secretariat police station and charged for violating Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2016

Pakistan

China ready to continue efforts to ease Pak-Afghan tensions, says ‘most urgent task’ to avoid escalation

Petrol reserves sufficient for 27 days, diesel for 21: petroleum secretary tells Senate committee

In letter to CJP, jailed PTI leaders seek early hearing of appeals pending before LHC ‘for last 8 months’

Hammad Haider

Jan 07, 2016 10:20am

Misleading headline. He was arrested because of entering the diplomatic enclave without permission and protesting there. Not because he was protesting against Saudi Arabia.

Recommend 0

Adnan Ahmed

Jan 07, 2016 10:21am

This man should be rewarded for courage and for his will to stand-up against tyrants.

Recommend 0

Naveed

Jan 07, 2016 10:40am

It seems surprising that local sentiment are calm in reaction of Shaikh Nimrs assassination, which is good.

Recommend 0

Jalbani Baloch

Jan 07, 2016 11:14am

The man should be punished for violating the law, which bans demonstrations and protests in the city.

Recommend 0

Rahel

Jan 07, 2016 11:17am

Go read the meaning of the word assassination. It was not an assassination but a convicted criminal given capital punishment. This gives a clear message to the world, dont do wrong things in their country.

Recommend 0

Baaligh

Jan 07, 2016 11:24am

Arrest for violating the enclave ban may...may be ok but what's wrong in protesting against the tyrants ?

Recommend 0

Tariq

Jan 07, 2016 11:51am

Don't make your personal view subject to public agitation and unrest. Such people should be deal strict way to make lesson for others.

Recommend 0

Muhammad

Jan 07, 2016 12:35pm

@Tariq "Don't make your personal view subject to public agitation and unrest. Such people should be deal strict way to make lesson for others" this is not personal view this a blatant Human Rights violation by Saudi Monarchs if every government start suppressing democratic voices and basic right of freedom of speech then there is no need of democracy we all should accept a totalitarian government

Recommend 0

malika

Jan 07, 2016 12:37pm

If ties are severed with saudi arabia then we will be bankrupt

Recommend 0

Engr. Khan

Jan 07, 2016 12:47pm

Since he willfully refused to disperse and attempted to enter the embassy enclave, he shall be handed over to ATC

Recommend 0

Kabeer

Jan 07, 2016 12:49pm

@malika "If ties are severed with saudi arabia then we will be bankrupt" you mean that for the sake of money we should shun the principles of basic human rights, freedom of speech, democracy, acceptance of universal laws, self respect, respect of life etc and we should embrace tyrant monarchs, slavery etc

Recommend 0

Usman

Jan 07, 2016 01:05pm

Such things should be deported to their respective country's of affiliation, whether it be Iran or Saudia....go there and make these cries..

Recommend 0

Sunil

Jan 07, 2016 01:10pm

At least this man has the guts to stand up against the Saudis.

Recommend 0

Imran

Jan 07, 2016 01:26pm

No one should be allowed to perform this kind of protests and Such people should be deal strictly to make lesson for others. This is excellent respond from our central security departments.

Recommend 0

Kabeer

Jan 07, 2016 03:13pm

Those who support Monarchies and dictatorship should immediately be departed to the country of their liking violence in any form is unacceptable but raising voice against injustices and human right violations is a democratic right and those who oppose non-violent freedom of expressions should be tried under the law for opposing constitutional liberties

Recommend 0

A Pakistani

Jan 07, 2016 03:15pm

@Rahel You are right. It was not assassination. It was a politically motivated murder to save a regime.

Recommend 0

Citizen

Jan 07, 2016 03:37pm

Do not create disturbance in your home for others

Recommend 0

Shahzad

Jan 07, 2016 03:40pm

@Usman: You mean, Pakistanis themselves should have no say? If Pakistanis protest as they have their opinion, than they are foreigners or deported to foreign country? I think, you have mind of a slave. Pakistan is not someones' property neither people are slaves. If any Pakistani do not like something happening in Pakistan or in any other country, they have every right to protest. Don't display your slave mentality and think that Pakistanis are slave of a ruthless king or dictator, where a person should be punished, suppressed or executed for voicing their thoughts and mind. Protesting to convey opinion, national or international, is norm for every citizen of an independent country.

Recommend 0

Nasir

Jan 07, 2016 03:45pm

Ok! Those who support Saudies, they can goto Saudi Arabia and those who support Iran, they can goto Iran. Iran and Sauidi Arabia both have not very good record of dealing with minority sects, and in Pakistan, the way our govts manage different sects, is something to be proud of.

Recommend 0

Atif

Jan 07, 2016 04:44pm

Protesting against Saudi Arabia is not a crime - what kind of a democracy is Pakistan. Pakistan should stop siding with the Saudi regime on every issue.

Recommend 0

Shahzad

Jan 07, 2016 06:49pm

@Kabeer; Staying neutral in KSA sectarian war is only option for security and future of Pakistan, that should not cause severing ties with KSA. If it does, than such ties is worth severing. Twice as many Indians work in KSA than Pakistanis, remittance to India from KSA is 3 times that of Pakistan, and India exports 4 times more good to KSA than Pakistan. Still, India would never participate in KSA wars, compromise Indian interest, or severe ties with Iran or any country on request of KSA. So, why Pakistan? ... Well, if KSA asks Pakistan to help against any country or groups, Pakistan should also ask KSA to reciprocate by severing ties with India and helping Pakistan fight Kashmir case against India, what I believe KSA would never do. Thus your statement : "If ties are severed with saudi arabia then we will be bankrupt": is wrong. Only people who would get effected by keeping Pakistan neutral and protecting self-interest, would be some corrupt politicians who live on crumbs of KSA.

Recommend 0

ukumar

Jan 07, 2016 06:56pm

@Rahel Capital punishment for disagreeing peacefully with government policy should not be accepted by any rational international body. KSA has no human rights (or even women rights) and has been beheading political opponents for years.

Recommend 0

ukumar

Jan 07, 2016 06:58pm

@A Pakistani Well said. It was a state sanctioned political murder.

Recommend 0

Perdesi

Jan 07, 2016 08:00pm

@Muhammad! We need to understand that we are not champion of democracy! How can Pakistan or Pakistani nation tell KSA to follow our footsteps. People in general in KSA are much much better in shape as compared to Pakistan. Freedom of speech in Pakistan!!! Is this your point???

Recommend 0

Hassan Parvez

Jan 07, 2016 08:06pm

@Rahel Who showed you the evidence that he is guilty. He was not a convicted criminal, but a religious leader who raised his voice against the corrupt Saudi regime.

Recommend 0

Muslim Medina

Jan 07, 2016 08:45pm

So much for protesting. All the police should have done is to warn the protester and ask him to leave the area. To arrest him was meant to signal that we are siding with KSA.

Recommend 0

Realist

Jan 08, 2016 11:26am

@Kabeer No one is stopping you from holding demonstrations where it is allowed i.e., anywhere except Islamabad since protests are not allowed in Islamabad. That is just one city. Stop being emotional.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

K&N’s SmartCooking Recipes: Mortadella Bread Omelette

A hearty bread omelette filled with mortadella, chicken, vegetables and melted mozzarella for a satisfying savoury bite.

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.