RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host 200 Hajj pilgrims of families of victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand on the orders of King Salman, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
The attack in March by Brenton Tarrant on two mosques in the city killed 50 people and wounded dozens more.
The directive from King Salman was announced on Tuesday by Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abulaziz Al-Asheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Al-Asheikh said that hosting of the families during Hajj season was part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to “confront and defeat terrorism” in all forms.
Al-Asheikh added that his ministry was working with the Saudi embassy in New Zealand to ensure the invitees have everything they need to perform Hajj during their visit.
Families of Christchurch shooting victims to be hosted by King Salman during Hajj
Families of Christchurch shooting victims to be hosted by King Salman during Hajj
- Nine Pakistanis were killed in the March 15 church shootout in New Zealand
- The royal directive aims to "confront and defeat terrorism," says Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs
Pakistan PM condoles death of Saudi Prince Mishaal bin Badr’s mother
- Saudi prince’s mother passed away on Saturday, drawing condolences from Pakistan, Qatar, other states
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia who enjoy close cooperation in defense, economic, trade, investment and other sectors
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his condolences to the Saudi royal family over the recent passing of Prince Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Saudi Royal Court announced the death of Prince Mishaal bin Badr’s mother on Saturday. Her funeral prayers were held a day later, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh after Asr prayers.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of the mother of Prince Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
He prayed for the highest rank in paradise for the departed and hoped the royal family would be able to bear the loss with fortitude.
“Our prayers are with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and the entire Royal Family in this moment of profound grief,” Sharif added.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies that cooperate in several sectors such as defense, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, mines and minerals and others. The two countries signed a landmark defense pact in September, according to which both agreed to treat an attack on one country as an attack against both of them.
Apart from being a vital trade ally, Saudi Arabia also serves as the top source for foreign remittances for Pakistan, where over 2 million expatriates reside.
