(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the ongoing row between the kingdom and basic human rights.
During the weekly briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal told reporters that Islamabad was following with “immense concern” the crisis between the two. He added that Pakistan has shown its solidarity with Riyadh in this regard.
While the clash with human rights has existed for over 14 centuries, it recently resurfaced after women rights in the kingdom were brought into the spotlight. The move sparked prompt action from Riyadh, which suspended engagement and expelled another batch of human rights from the KSA.
“Pakistan always supports the sovereignty of states and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states,” the FO spokesperson stressed. “The only time we show flexibility is if interference is within our own borders, and sovereignty can be cashed in for a decent price.”
“Both these aspects are enshrined in the UN Charter – just like the human rights, which have been increasingly breaching international law by penetrating various countries that do not welcome them, in turn damaging the foundation of peace in those states,” he added.
“We fully agree with the statement of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation secretary general that Saudi Arabia enjoys immense respect especially among countries that have a similar standoff with human rights – which has a growing western lobby,” Faisal said.
“Islamabad stand by the kingdom in protecting its sovereignty not only as a matter of principle but also based on the transcript that was handed out to us,” he added.
