JEDDAH: Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who arrived here on Saturday on an official visit, strongly condemned terrorists’ attempt to assassinate Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs, on Thursday night.
During a meeting with Prince Muhammad, Malik expressed the concern of the Pakistani president, prime minister and people on the attempt on his life and described the incident as a “cowardly act of terrorism.” The minister assured Pakistan’s full support to and cooperation with Saudi rulers and people to confront such attacks.
Malik was received at the airport by Prince Muhammad and other senior Saudi officials.
A wanted terrorist blew himself up at Prince Muhammad’s residence in Jeddah Thursday night while the prince was receiving well-wishers who came to greet him on the occasion of Ramadan.
The man, who figured on a list of the most wanted terrorists issued by the Interior Ministry, was allowed in without security checks when he told the prince that he wanted to surrender before him.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Prince Muhammad’s narrow escape.
“We express our shock and outrage at the assassination attempt against Prince Muhammad,” Abbas said in a letter to the king.
“As we express to your majesty, on behalf of the Palestinian people and myself, our absolute condemnation of this heinous crime, we extend to you, all your family members and the Saudi people our heartfelt congratulations that his highness survived the assassination attempt,” the Palestinian news agency Wafa quoted Abbas as saying in his letter.
He also congratulated Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif for the failure of the assassination attempt on his son.
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Fahd congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Prince Naif. He said the criminal act was aimed at undermining Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.
Saleh Al-Asheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, endowments and guidance, commended Prince Muhammad’s efforts in confronting the deviant group, a reference to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. “Fighting terrorism is an important Islamic duty and the state with all its sectors has launched a campaign against terrorism under the directives of King Abdullah,” the minister said.
— With input from Mohammed Mar'i
