Malik asks PM to play role for peace between Saudi Arabia, Iran

ISLAMABAD: Former interior minister Senator Rehman Malik has written a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urging him to play his role in mediation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran on an urgent basis.

In his letter, Malik writes, “It is highly important to mention here that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is our trusted old friend and Iran too is our Muslim neighbour. Tension between both countries will subsequently create a wedge among Muslim world; hence, it is high time for Pakistan to take initiative to get the tension defused between the two Muslim countries.”

Malik says, “Pakistan being a nuclear power, a frontline state fighting against terrorism and one of the largest Muslim states, which enjoys most strategic position in the region, must contribute to stop the situation from deteriorating further particularly when it comes to the unity of Muslim Ummah."

He expressed displeasure over not mentioning of Pakistan in the Saudi summit despite numerous sacrifices Pakistan made in the war on terror. He writes, “Pakistan’s sacrifices in the War on Terror, during which Pakistan lost more than 60,000 innocent lives, suffered a monumental economic loss of more than $125-billion but unfortunately it appears to have not been recognised by the International Community."

He said terrorist organisations including ISIS are misusing the name of Islam and they are operating in various parts of the world including Islamic countries adding that ISIS is a replica of Al-Qaeda which has extended its domain from Middle-East to Pak-Afghan border. “ISIS is basically a planted organisation which is targeting to create a wedge within the Muslim Ummah”, adds Malik.

He said, “I believe that, perhaps, the urgency arising out of this unmistakable catastrophic threat to Muslim Ummah, prompted Pakistan to participate in summit organised by Saudi Arabia." He said unfortunately, at the occasion, Pakistan was ignored and not given opportunity to express its experiences with the international community.

Emphasising the need for unity of the Muslim Ummah and reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Malik in his letter referred to holy Quran where Allah says, “…conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward”.

Urging the prime minister to play his role, Malik said, “In view of serious situation, I sincerely urge that you as Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan should play role in mediation between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Republic of Iran on urgent basis.” He prayed that Nawaz may succeed in this effort.