EDITORIAL: The assassination of King Faisal … is, as Mr Bhutto has aptly said, an ‘indescribable tragedy’. Both the timing and the circumstances of his sudden disappearance … add to the poignancy of the shocking development. In recent years he emerged as a giant among the Arabs, a symbol of Islamic unity and solidarity and a wise and effective world leader. The active part he played in organising the oil embargo as well as in bringing together the so-called conservatives and radicals in the Arab camp before and after the 1973 Ramazan war proved a factor of tremendous importance in influencing the fortunes of the Arab struggle against Israel and Zionism. …

He will long be remembered in this country with feelings of love and respect. His image among common Pakistanis has been that of a great friend and wise leader of the Islamic world. He too reciprocated these feelings in practical, tangible terms. … The new Saudi Monarch, King Khalid … has pledged after his accession … that he will closely follow his brother’s policies and fulfil his mission. The entire world of Islam will wish him well in his endeavour to discharge the heavy responsibilities that have fallen on him.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025