ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: Imam-i-Kaaba Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hummaid has condemned last month’s blast at Islamabad’s Marriott hotel and expressed sympathies with affected families.

In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, Dr Saleh offered condolences on the loss of precious lives.

The Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad, Ali Saeed Muhammad Al-Awaad Assery, delivered the letter to the speaker on Friday.

The letter said the Imam-i-Kaaba and members of the Shura of Saudi Arabia “condemn the Islamabad blast and express sympathies with affected families”.

Dr Fehmida Mirza said Saudi Arabia had always supported Pakistan in difficult times and was expected to play a leading role in efforts by “Friends of Pakistan” for helping Pakistan tide over hard times.

She said the government of Pakistan was facing many challenges which could be overcome with the support of friendly countries like Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador said the government of Saudi Arabia was ready to support Pakistan in all sectors of the economy. He stressed the need for spreading the message of Islam through placing “appropriate people on the pulpit” for curbing extremism in the Muslim world.