Zaid Hamid returns to Pakistan after KSA arrest
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ISLAMABAD: Self-proclaimed security analyst Zaid Hamid has been released from a jail in Saudi Arabia and he has reached Pakistan, Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah told DawnNews on Saturday.
The spokesman also quoted Pakistan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mr. Manzoorul Haq as confirming Hamid's release from Saudi authorities.
"Saudi authorities just confirmed his release but did not say anything about the charges against him," said Khalilullah.
Earlier: The Zaid Hamid enigma
Zaid Hamid's official Facebook page linked his project 'Brasstacks' which confirmed Hamid's return. It celebrated his return and claimed that no charge was proven during his detention in Saudi Arabia.
"Sir Zaid Hamid is back in Pakistan with dignity and in good health. Released without charge and honourably sent back home last night," it read.
"He is resting and his cell phones are off and he needs some privacy with his family, so please let him rest for now," it adds. "He will not make any media and public statement for now."
The Twitter page linked to zaidhamid.pk site made a similar announcement.
Diplomatic sources had said that Zaid Hamid was arrested in June this year, for making an alleged provocative speech in Madina criticising the Saudi government, but details of the allegation and jail time were not released. Media outlets here had reoported that the outspoken commentator had been sentenced to eight years in prison as well as 1,000 lashes by authorities.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (154) Closed
Oct 03, 2015 03:49pm
What are the terms of the release????????
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Oct 03, 2015 03:51pm
Welcome Sir.
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Oct 03, 2015 03:53pm
Welcome Back Zaid Hamid
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Oct 03, 2015 03:54pm
He should awarded Nishan E Haider for his bravery and sacrifices to maintain the dignity of Pakistan in KSA.
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Oct 03, 2015 03:57pm
I hope zaid ahmed learnt his lesson in saudi jail and will respect democratic traditions and freedom of speech in Pakistan and India more toleraaaant socities.I was a supporter of his freedom of expression and was critical of saudi mishandling and brutal punishment long live freedom of expression even if you do not like or disagree.
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Oct 03, 2015 03:59pm
Hope he forgets his anger towards KSA and focuses all his energies on real enemy of Pakistan ,
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Oct 03, 2015 04:01pm
Welcome home.....
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Oct 03, 2015 04:03pm
Now he will know freedom of speech in pakistan. Media in pakistan is enjoying to much freedom. Media persons are very thankless towards this freedom in pakistan.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:04pm
The Saudi leadership are the enemies of Muslims.
I guess truth hurts them.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:07pm
Welcome back Mr.Zaid! Though I differ with him on number of issues but I appreciate his viewpoint about GCC contries'' oppressive ,tyrannical,hypocritical monarchies.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:08pm
AlhamdolillAh
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Oct 03, 2015 04:14pm
Hope next time when he will be on Tv he must be a complete different man and not speak harsh against any country without credible evidence as he usually do.Just a lesson of life.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:15pm
Let him say whatever himself
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Oct 03, 2015 04:17pm
Looks like PAK got some leverage after the stampede. Welcome back
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Oct 03, 2015 04:19pm
Great to have you back!
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Oct 03, 2015 04:27pm
I am no fan of Zaid Hamid........but if he were locked up for speaking by the Saudis, he most probably was speaking the truth.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:28pm
So Saudi Arabia has taken revenge for not militarily supporting them in Yemen
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Oct 03, 2015 04:29pm
Welcome back,
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Oct 03, 2015 04:33pm
Good for him.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:35pm
@Sleepless in Sahiwal .............. too harsh a comment without an iota of thinking. and why would they punish Zaid Hamid for that, alone. ?
what about our govt, officials etc who did that. Zaid Hamid did not and cannot stop or allow the army to go to Saudi.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:35pm
I neither like him nor his ideology. But was sad to know his detention, after all he is my compatriot.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:38pm
Back with dignity
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Oct 03, 2015 04:42pm
Welcome back Zaid Hamid.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:42pm
Welcome back...and looking forward to hear more conspiracy theories from you.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:46pm
More fuel on TV channel debates b/w India and Pakistan. it's better off, if he stays away from debates, his comments just fuel unnecessary anger on each side.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:46pm
Some Pakistani official may have secured his release and now he will be very careful in future when ever he will give comments on security issues. Anyhow congratulations to him for his safe return
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Oct 03, 2015 04:46pm
Never go back to Saudi Arabia they are not democracy like pakistan and your views do not matter there. Please support democracy in Pakistan. Thanks
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Oct 03, 2015 04:51pm
Well Come the man or iron, call spade to spade for KSA .
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Oct 03, 2015 04:52pm
@Akhtar. We are our own enimies don't blame others please
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Oct 03, 2015 04:53pm
I hope he lives in peace with his family. I believe charges against him have been dropped due insufficient evidence but vindication still remains.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:55pm
oh god, now india is in trouble,
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Oct 03, 2015 04:56pm
My advice to him will be, never ever visit SA next time.
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Oct 03, 2015 04:57pm
Welcome Back. I missed his analysis. Cant wait till he goes back to work.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:00pm
Hope he learned some lesson in saudia jail - like to hear his comments on his imprisonment
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Oct 03, 2015 05:01pm
@A. Ali I meant that by allowing Zaid Hamid to return to Pakistan they have taken their revenge
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Oct 03, 2015 05:03pm
@Akhtar Not only plain truth but even half truth is not acceptable for the Arab Monarchs, especially by Aley Saud.
If this is not proof of being guilty conscious then what else ?
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Oct 03, 2015 05:03pm
@Real Zak Sir it is Nishan e haider. not a piece of cake
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Oct 03, 2015 05:04pm
I am not a big fan of this gentleman but as a Pakistani, I feel that Pakistani government should have asked the Saudi government to either frame charges against him or release him immediately. It seems to me that as a nation we do not value our life and respect and therefore no other country gives a toss as well. We have to value every life and all Pakistan is irrespective of their status and wealth should have respect. If we don't do that no body in the world will respect us. Other issue is that you have to respect the local laws of the land if you are in another country even if you dont agree with those laws or otherwise don't go that country.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:05pm
Do as Romans do in Rome.......Never violate the rules of other country while staying there...Just violate the rules of your own country being habitual of it and pay your gratitude to KSA for your release in spite of breaking their law....
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Oct 03, 2015 05:08pm
Heartiest congratulation......a true hero
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Oct 03, 2015 05:08pm
I stopped watching Pakistani news channels as it became too boring due to absence of Mr Zahid Hamid. Now, eagerly waiting for his defence analysis on Pakistani media.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:16pm
Even after this much happening Pakistan govt could not dare to protest Saudis
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Oct 03, 2015 05:18pm
No statements & wants to rest.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:20pm
The pride of Pakistan ! The most revered guy in Pakistan , may long he live and Pakistan get blessed with more like him .
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Oct 03, 2015 05:26pm
very nice surprise, thanks God, He back to home.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:28pm
Welcome back sir, we missed you in television debates.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:28pm
Love this guy.Raising voice against Saudi monarchy & then coming back home safe.I assume Pakistan went through all the troubles to get him out.The million rupee question is now whether he still got same tone.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:31pm
Indians must be going crazy with this news ...
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Oct 03, 2015 05:36pm
Alhamdulillah, good news finally
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Oct 03, 2015 05:37pm
@sana,sister please tell me who is your real enemy
There are issues between India & Pakistan ,but using word enemy is not judicious ,their is no animosity on public level & we mingle well in other countries.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:38pm
As an indian I am really happy he is back. Missed him tahey dil se.
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Oct 03, 2015 05:45pm
Thanks God he is back home after release
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Oct 03, 2015 05:51pm
Are you sure Zaid Hamid, back with dignity??
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Oct 03, 2015 05:58pm
Good to have him back. It's good to hear his conspiracy theories,
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Oct 03, 2015 06:01pm
Never heard or read anywhere that anyone getting away for committing some offence in KSA. Something fishy... May be he is sent back to do serve his masters.!
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Oct 03, 2015 06:05pm
In future he will never speak against the GCC and Saudi Arabia.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:05pm
Good to see him back. I wish he does't start bashing India
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Oct 03, 2015 06:09pm
We should let him rest,
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Oct 03, 2015 06:13pm
Welcome back Mr. Zaid Hamid. I as an Indian really enjoy your interviews and talk shows in you tube.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:16pm
@zahid malik
Freedom of Speech only against Pakistani Politicians , India , US. But not talk against Military or Friendly Government
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Oct 03, 2015 06:22pm
Zaid wanted come early. But Saudi government insisted him to stay until Haj. Saudi Government sent him with dignity. He was brought to Pakistan in Special Airforce plane with full dignity and Honor.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:24pm
Now Zaid Hamid will expose the real face of Saudis. I hope he has become a Liberal Secular Democratic Pakistani now.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:27pm
I think we should praise our diplomats in K.S.A. those who had made possible his release.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:29pm
Pakistan should protect the rights and dignity of all its citizens anywhere in the world. It's good that he is released but the treatment he got and our inability to set him free soon shows that we are not taken seriously in the world.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:41pm
@American no body asked you. You are a racist society and a very sensible President because of whom you are still there. Come Trump and you will be trumpeted out sooner than you expect.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:43pm
Before release He must have given undertaking full of terms and conditions to Saudi Government as they are unlikely to let him off the hook so easily.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:46pm
Welcome back...Very happy to hear about ur release...u r doin great job keep it up sir...
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Oct 03, 2015 06:48pm
we would like to know what he went through in Saudi captivity. how he got released. it's nothing less than a miracle. please share your experience.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:48pm
I'm sure he would never want to go back to Saudi.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:51pm
The shah's and qaddafi's of the world had their day. So will the other autocratic dictators of the middle-east. Saudi and gulf rulers should get a lesson and work for a change in their nations ruthless polices. OR I am sure they will get changed by their people sooner than later.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:53pm
@saleem Yes you are spot on. Smart people ruled us by "divide and rule" policy. They left us but it is difficult to change mentality.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:57pm
I wonder what is the official statement from Saudi police.
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Oct 03, 2015 06:59pm
Without him Pakistani media's all the analysis looks boring. so welcome back !!!
And Join soon.... :)
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Oct 03, 2015 07:08pm
He is lucky he came back with his head on.
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Oct 03, 2015 07:09pm
I really have no idea who this man is, but if he did speak the truth about the Saudi kingdom and their brutality then I would back him all the way!
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Oct 03, 2015 07:16pm
This is called "Muk Muka".
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Oct 03, 2015 07:18pm
Thank God he is back. now let me search "Zaid hamid latest" again.
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Oct 03, 2015 07:18pm
Welcome home son of land. Sorry to hear what the Saudis did to our dear countryman. I do not fully agree with all his views but I cannot deny the fact he is one true patriotic Pakistani.
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Oct 03, 2015 07:19pm
Royal family of Saudi Arabia wants to suppress freedom of speech, they afraid people in Saudi Arabia find out the truth.
It's time for Saudi people to get rid of monarchy and bring democracy so they can joy freedom of speech, freedom of expression, equal rights for men and women, freedom to access intern without any restrictions by government.
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Oct 03, 2015 07:21pm
since when did he get the title of Sir?
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Oct 03, 2015 07:22pm
Hopefully zaid hamid has at least learnt how to honour the constitution of a country. The lessons which are learnt behind bars are unforgettable. let's see what will he do in Pakistan and how he will defend himself ?
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Oct 03, 2015 07:27pm
Dignity ?? ohh yes.. three months in jail and still dignity maintained :)
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Oct 03, 2015 07:27pm
good news
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Oct 03, 2015 07:28pm
Would love to hear his first interview
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Oct 03, 2015 07:39pm
I am sure he will become totally change in his remaining life
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Oct 03, 2015 07:54pm
@Do or Die pakistan
Thank you for realistic response
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Oct 03, 2015 08:00pm
Good news!
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Oct 03, 2015 08:17pm
good he is back . s.arabia is not a country where any one should speak his mind openly.
most of the islamic countries are like that.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:25pm
i am anxious to hear his views on ksa when he comes on tv. We we will find out whether there was any deal or not. Till then I will reserve my comments.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:29pm
Now, he will not going to say a single word against KSA.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:38pm
Nawaz sharif tried hard to keep him behind the bars in Saudi Arabia forever,but Gen Rahil sharif has giving us yet another reason to say Shukria Rahil sharif.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:40pm
here comes the master of conspiracy theories...things would be more interesting from now on....i really like this guy.....
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Oct 03, 2015 08:44pm
Wow ths guy has fans!
But yeah respect the rules and laws of a country u are visiting
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Oct 03, 2015 08:44pm
Can some one tell me what is his back ground and what is his source of income till today.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:47pm
Wellcome ,we expect responsible attitude from Zahid Hamìd in Pakistan while talking in debates and talk shows ?
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Oct 03, 2015 08:47pm
He should have been kept in Saudi Arabia
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Oct 03, 2015 08:49pm
Home land is home land.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:50pm
@Sleepless in Sahiwal absolutely right.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:52pm
People like zaid hamid will always be thorn in eyes of corrupt and puppet regimes.
Welcome home!
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Oct 03, 2015 08:52pm
Hope, his release is not a result of any compromise or a deal by not making any critical comment on the politics of middle east. Mr. Zaid is an outspoken analyst and he shall continue to talk on regional and global politics without any favor or fear.
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Oct 03, 2015 08:59pm
So relieved that he is back in Pakistan. Good efforts by the Nawaz government to help him get out of jail. Zahid Hamid should be careful with selection of his words in future.
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Oct 03, 2015 09:00pm
I hope he did not submit an affidavit containing his apology?
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Oct 03, 2015 09:00pm
He is emphasizing on "DIGNITY", makes me think what all would have KSA done to him :)
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Oct 03, 2015 09:13pm
Good news about a patriot.
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Oct 03, 2015 09:13pm
A true patriot and a great hero is back - I am so happy. Haters will hate, but Sir Zahid Hamid has never told a single lie.
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Oct 03, 2015 09:15pm
Sir now we can watch your superb analysis and debate about every thing
and any thing
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Oct 03, 2015 09:24pm
Next time be careful and do not use bad language for whom you know nothing.
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Oct 03, 2015 09:36pm
@Zak "Good news about a patriot."
He is the national treasure of Pakistan!!!
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Oct 03, 2015 09:46pm
The fighter is back..and a bad news for the enemies of Pakistan...
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Oct 03, 2015 10:28pm
Welcome back.
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Oct 03, 2015 10:44pm
Zaid Hamid is back in Pakistan His cell phones are off and wanting privacy with his family, We understand he will not make any media and public statement for now. he is NOT taking any visitors for now.....LOL let's cut to the chase and stop blowing smoke up ours you know what ...If he does make any statement to throw KSA under the bus again, I am going off on a limb to assume that any violation on a plea bargain (with KSA and IRP!) may send him right back!
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Oct 03, 2015 10:47pm
Welcome Back. Everyone throughout Pakistan welcome you. From Northern Kashmir to Gwadar.
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Oct 03, 2015 10:50pm
@Ample reverence 4 KSA & Pak Army _ Could be a good advise as even though to my displeasure even the current policy of USA has cowered to the KSA human right violations which should be condemned all the times.
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Oct 03, 2015 11:26pm
Good. Clearly Saudis didn't have concrete proof against him so release was inevitable. Even KSA can't jail a high profile analyst without proof.
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Oct 03, 2015 11:44pm
Welcome Back Sir. Salute for your Bravery. Ironically, He was alleged with the charge of freedom and raising his voice for what is True and What is False. It's means that so-called Khadimeens are less tolerant to listen someone who tell him what they are. so Good thing is that he is coming back and he will always raise his voice against such matters.
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Oct 04, 2015 12:26am
I think he has completed his 3 month jail term and deported
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Oct 04, 2015 12:47am
What dignity you are referring to? He has been jailed without reason, he was subject to punishment without legitimate justification. Its a known fact that the people of Pakistan are not respected all over the world. The people of Pakistan are always subect to multilayered suspicious enquiries. The reason is because our Embassies fail miserably to protect its citizens. They never raised concerns of their people to host countries. They never hold their grounds to protect their people. Saudis have developed a culture of abusing their powers and they do it with pride. Specially with Pakistanis.
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Oct 04, 2015 01:28am
The man is not important.Question is why arrested and sentenced and why released?
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Oct 04, 2015 01:46am
@Real Zak what sacrifices, what are you taking about
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Oct 04, 2015 01:47am
@Akhtar what nonsense
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Oct 04, 2015 01:48am
@Dr.Arshad what nonsense
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Oct 04, 2015 02:36am
@Real Zak My dear ignorant brother ... nishan-e-haider is given to army ppl, not civilians.
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Oct 04, 2015 04:37am
His (arrest and) release would remain shrouded in mystery as we in Pakistan have witnessed many a times in "similar" situations...not in distant past.
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Oct 04, 2015 06:20am
@Akhtar great minds think alike :) Totally agree with ya bro
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Oct 04, 2015 08:52am
"Self-proclaimed security analyst ", DAWN you are hilarious.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:04am
It seems these were our government's efforts that have brought him back otherwise perhaps he would have to enjoy some more time in jail. It is hoped he might have learned something there and would not forget that in his own country as well,Good luck Hamid
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Oct 04, 2015 09:10am
Welcome Back Zaid Zaman, I hope you are well and please be careful in your speech if it is in some undemocratic society as they have Zero Tolerance against their system/king or their system of Hypocrisy, mis and bad behavior.
Rizwan
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Oct 04, 2015 09:15am
@Real Zak why why why!!!
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Oct 04, 2015 09:42am
He is a brave man.
Arabs must review their behaviour towards freedom or sooner or later they will suffer
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Oct 04, 2015 11:04am
@Raja Hindustani
I agree.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:34am
Zaid Hamid used to say that Saudi danced to receive Ayub Khan. Poor fellow did not know that it was in the early sixties when deputy commissioner in Pakistan used receive the king and petrodollars could not buy Pakistani loyalty. Now situation is reversed, president of Pakistan has to dance in front of Saudi King.
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Oct 04, 2015 12:51pm
Pakistan should focus on serving Muslim Ummah not to rule it. It's in everyone's interest.
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Oct 05, 2015 01:01am
Sir! Welcome back! As the self appointed leader of your fan club in india, i welcome you back like countless other indians who want you to live, breathe, talk and entertain! Thanks for your service to society and for coming back unscathed from the lions den where a sword and lashing cane was hanging over your head. A true warrior indeed! I hope you didn't compromise to get a deal....
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Oct 05, 2015 01:03am
Amazing guy. Love his talks. So much fun. Pakistan zinda bad
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Oct 05, 2015 01:56am
@Real Zak Nishan e haider is not a lolly pop, this gallantry award given to brave soldier who sacrifies his life for Pakistan.what zaid hamid sacrified?
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Oct 05, 2015 02:34am
Its horrible for Pakistan. Such people needs to be behind the bars.
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Oct 05, 2015 03:25am
@Ajay Ladkani -Hope they did not do any surgery on ZH before release to bring his aggression down.
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Oct 05, 2015 03:26am
Hopefully he still has all his limbs after liberation from the cruel regime.
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Oct 05, 2015 03:32am
It is a diplomatic victory for Pakistan government and a gesture of goodwill from Saudi Arabian Monarchy.
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Oct 05, 2015 04:55am
@Real Zak -Really? what a joke Bro.
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Oct 05, 2015 04:56am
@aslam shaikh -He is beyond any change.
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Oct 05, 2015 04:59am
@Naveed Sarwar -Why Bro.?
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Oct 05, 2015 09:06am
Big fan of SIR ZH from india, watched all your debate
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Oct 05, 2015 12:06pm
Suffice to say he wont be visiting SA or saying much against the house of saud any longer!
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Oct 05, 2015 01:11pm
@American Everybody has the right to their opinion. You can not simply silent people, whatever Hamid stands for he has the right to it say it. Good or Bad it is all in our mind, for some people his is a nut case for other his is a glimmer of hope. As an American you should understand this better than anybody else right ? I guess you are always right, even when you are wrong you know what I mean ?? !!!.
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Oct 05, 2015 05:40pm
Welcome home. Some may not like him but he's a true nationalist and means well for Islamic world.
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Oct 05, 2015 05:41pm
@American learnt his lesson? What lesson?
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Oct 05, 2015 06:13pm
Like many he thinks he knows a lot. He simply cannot keep to himself. He should go to Iraq, Syria, Iran and see for himself the conditions in these countries and then talk.
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Oct 05, 2015 06:45pm
Zaid Hamid will say that there was some sort of misinformation and misunderstanding that led to his arrest, upon his clarification Saudi authorities happily released him but he came to know through his sources who were really behind this act to malign him
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Oct 05, 2015 11:57pm
Welcome Back. Zaid Hamid.
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Oct 06, 2015 03:19am
I waiting to see what he do next to remain relevant?
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Oct 06, 2015 08:19am
@American Learnt his lesson - what rubbish? He did nothing wrong. He is a brave man and a great man.
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Oct 06, 2015 03:31pm
We were missing him here in India. Thank god he is back.
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Oct 06, 2015 03:40pm
Welcome Back and wish you early recovery and pray for your health and success. Ameen
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