MASJID-i-NABWI INCIDENT:
Saudi police have detained many Pakistani pilgrims who harassed and sang slogans against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his entourage at Madina’s Masjid-i-Nabwi, the communications director of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Islamabad reported on Friday.
According to the official, the demonstrators were detained for “violating the norms” and “disrespecting” the sacred mosque’s sanctity.
PM Shehbaz is in Saudi Arabia on a three-day visit with a team that includes Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Miftah Ismail, Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mohsin Dawar, Khawaja Asif, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Maulana Tahir Ashraf.
They said prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque yesterday after arriving in Madina.
However, tragic things occurred when the premier and his entourage arrived at the sacred mosque.
According to social media recordings, Pakistani pilgrims visiting the mosque immediately began chanting “Chor” (thieves) chants upon seeing the prime minister.
In another video, pilgrims can be heard heckling and screaming anti-Federal Ministers Marriyum Aurangzeb and Shahzain Bugti as they are taken by Saudi security. Additionally, a pilgrim may be seen from behind tugging Bugti’s hair.
Aurangzeb later stated in a video message in response to the shouts that the act was committed by a “chosen group,” while the majority of Pakistan is respected the sacred mosque’s sanctity.
“I’m not going to name the people accountable for this incident because I’m not interested in politicizing this sacred space.”
Additionally, she stated that she had prayed for wisdom for such individuals.
“However, it will take time for us to repair the harm these individuals have done to our community, and we can only do so with a constructive mindset,” the minister concluded.
On Twitter, politicians and religious leaders criticized the tragedy, with some blaming the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated at a news conference that his ministry will approach the Saudi Arabian authorities to take “necessary measures” against the Pakistani pilgrims.
Sanaullah stated that the Saudi authorities will be tasked with identifying people responsible for the incidents using CCTV video so they could be sent to Pakistan, adding that they were
“unworthy of living on that precious soil.”
He cautioned that the nation was worried and suffering, which may result in upheaval.
“There is a huge risk of instability in the country, which is why we have asked permission from the law ministry to register a case against these individuals and prosecute them.”
The minister also urged individuals responsible for such occurrences to exercise restraint, warning,
“If you create this type of climate, you will have to live with it. You have put our courage to the test for four years, and you should compete in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and democratic ideals. Whatever problems you have, communicate them while adhering to these guidelines continuing.”
Published By : Chittajallu H S Kumar
Edited By: Kiran Maharana
