ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said Pakistan recognises “Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the arrest, conviction and sentencing” the killers of journalist Jamal Khashoggi expresses solidarity with the Kingdom.
The ministry said in a statement that Pakistan has taken note of the US declassified intelligence report issued by the Biden administration and understands that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has served justice remaining in its legal system.
The ministry press statement said that “we have taken note of the public release of the US administration’s declassified intelligence report, containing its ‘assessment’ on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.”
The statement said Pakistan 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.”
“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 recognises Saudi efforts in this regard and expresses solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident journalist, who wrote for the Washington Post, was killed and dismembered by an assault team in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey in October 2, 2018.
