Pakistan Interior Minister Rahman Malik has said that Pakistan is engaged with US and NATO in the light of guidelines set by the Parliament that was endorsed by the National Security Committee and is optimistic of the resumption of normal relations with NATO.
“We are against terrorism and would like to continue to support and work with the international community and not stand in isolation,” he said during an exclusive interaction with the Saudi media.
The minister highlighted the special brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and termed it as “deep rooted.” The fact that all in Pakistan hold Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in high esteem has been a key reason for priority accorded to all aspects of its relations with the Kingdom in our policymaking.
Rahman Malik spoke high of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and highlighted his services to the Muslim Ummah and Pakistan. There is a consensus in Pakistan that King Abdullah has a special place for Pakistan and its people.
“His services for the humanity are unmatchable as his ideologies are accepted worldwide especially his idea of interfaith harmony that has successfully removed doubts about Islam and also negated the growing Islamophobia,” he said.
The special relations Saudi Arabia has with Pakistan are unique in the sense that these relations are not just based on common interests but also strengthened by the principle of Islamic brotherhood.
On the NATO issue, Rahman Malik said Pakistan had engaged with US and NATO to settle the issues of supplies in the light of the demands of the people of Pakistan. “The people said no drones and we are hopeful that the voice of the people would be heard,” he said. The new terms of engagement and deliberations are on as Pakistan is most likely to announce the resumption of supplies through Pakistan in Chicago during the NATO summit where President Zardari is likely to represent Pakistan.
Pakistan has already welcomed the invitation of this summit. “Our Cabinet has appreciated unconditional invitation to the NATO summit where President Zardari would highlight the aspirations of the Pakistani people,” he added.
Kingdom-Pakistan relations are deep rooted: Malik
