RIYADH: Strongly condemning Monday’s terror attacks, people from all walks of life have expressed wholehearted support for the government.
Commenting on the news, Pakistani Ambassador Manzoorul Haq told the Arab News on Friday that terrorists have no religion or country.
“A Muslim cannot imagine doing acts of terrorism in the holy city of Madinah,” he stressed.
“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and solidly stand with the government and the people of Saudi Arabia in its fight against terrorism,” he said.
Security forces have arrested 19 people in connection with the acts of terror. Of the arrested, seven are Saudis and 12 Pakistanis.
“Saudi Arabia will triumph and terrorists will be defeated. This is our firm belief,” he asserted. Haq said the Kingdom is leading a 35-nation coalition of Muslim countries to combat terrorism, and Pakistan is a member of this coalition.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also denounced the barbaric attacks.
He expressed deep regret, stressing that “the Pakistani government and people stand with the Kingdom and its people, and share their grief.” Sharif also offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Punjab chief minister, Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistani Tahreek-e-Insaaf, Khurshid Shah, leader of the parliamentary opposition bloc have also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.
The Indian Embassy said: “We strongly condemn these terror attacks and offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wish speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries. We stand by the people and the Saudi government in our common fight against this abominable phenomenon which threatens all societies across the globe.”
It added: “India remains firmly committed to working closely and actively with Saudi Arabia to root out the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Majed Abdullah Alhedayan, senior columnist and a legal consultant at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “From time to time, the Saudi government shows the world, through the grace of the Almighty, that it ably confronts terrorism with all available means and security initiatives pre-empt and foil terror attempts.”
He added: “The fact that the Ministry of Interior tracked down the traitors indicates the full alertness of the security forces, shows that they are ready to contain terrorism by responding with professionalism and great efficiency.”
Mohammad Zeyad, a public relation executive, said: “Saudi security is a source of pride and we feel safe due to the security agencies’ dedication and professionalism, which thwart terror attempts. We salute their strong resolve to defend this nation, the cradle of Islam, and to make it safe and secure. The perpetrating such crimes must know they have no place either in this world or the thereafter.”
We are KSA’s ally in terror war: Pak envoy
We are KSA’s ally in terror war: Pak envoy
Rebuilding lives: Saudi initiative gives fresh hope to amputees
- Baitureh Health Association has provided life-changing support to more than 1,000 people
- Prosthetic limbs can cost up to $76,000
MAKKAH: The Baitureh Health Association for the Care of Amputees has quickly become one of Saudi Arabia’s most impactful humanitarian initiatives, transforming support for people with lost limbs.
Established in 2020, the association deals with people’s physical, psychological and social needs and fills a long-standing gap in the national health system.
CEO Badr bin Alyan told Arab News that the initiative was created in response to a growing need, driven by amputations linked to accidents, blood disorders, occupational injuries and other causes.
Its operations were “based on service integration rather than fragmentation, enabling beneficiaries to return to their lives with confidence, ability and independence,” he said.
This holistic process covers everything from initial evaluations to psychological and physical rehabilitation, family support, prosthetic fitting and ongoing maintenance.
Its psychological support programs include group sessions led by certified mentors who have undergone similar experiences, as well as field visits to support patients before and after amputation.
More than 1,000 people across the Kingdom have so far benefitted from the association’s work, about 10 percent of them children, whom Alyan said were “the most sensitive and the most in need of intensive psychological and family support.”
Its specialist programs for children — My First Step and Therapeutic Entertainment — help young people adapt to prosthetics, overcome trauma and build confidence in a safe and supportive setting.
The association has completed more than 300 prosthetic fittings, including silicone cosmetic limbs, mechanical, hydraulic, electronic and 3D-printed models.
Alyan said the type of prosthetic selected depended on a number of factors, such as age, lifestyle, type of amputation, activity level and psychological readiness.
Children also have to undergo frequent adjustments to their new limbs to account for their growth.
Each prosthetic cost between SR20,000 ($5,300) and SR285,000, Alyan said.
The association funds its work through sponsorships, community contributions and strategic partnerships.
Despite its success, Alyan said there were still challenges to be faced, including the lack of a consolidated base for the provision of psychological support and therapy services and prosthetics development and maintenance.
There was also a shortage of local experts, he said.
In response, the association set up a rehabilitation center, which Alyan said would help to localize prosthetics manufacturing, reduce costs and accelerate fitting processes and create opportunities for local experts to develop their knowledge and experience.
But providing prosthetics was only part of the association’s work, he said.
“Rebuilding a human life is the deeper goal.”
