Pakistan shows solidarity with Saudi Arabia after US report on Khashoggi

Pakistan has shown solidarity with Saudi Arabia after a damning U.S. Administration’s declassified intelligence report blamed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

In a statement issued late Saturday, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said: “We have taken note of the public release of the U.S. Administration’s declassified intelligence report, containing its “assessment” on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. We have also noted that the Saudi government termed Jamal Khashoggi’s murder as an “abhorrent crime” and a “flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s laws and values.”

Chaudhri said the Saudi government has further underlined that it took all possible measures within its legal system to ensure that the individuals responsible were properly investigated, convicted and sentenced and that justice was served.

“Pakistan recognizes Saudi efforts in this regard and expresses solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” added Chaudhri.

He said Pakistan underscores adherence to the rule of law, respect for national sovereignty, and protection and promotion of human rights by all States, in accordance with their respective Constitutional frameworks and international obligations.