President’s visit to Saudi Arabia to further strengthen bilateral ties: Rehman Malik
ISLAMABAD, July 21 (APP): Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Thursday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial ties and President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Jeddah will further bring the two  great nations closer to each other. Talking to media outside the Parliament he said  “visit by the President of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia has been very successful. Saudi Arabia always stood by the people of Pakistan in the time of need.” He said during the visit,  President Zardari  discussed regional and other issues in context with the frienship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He said the whole Muslim world always  drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia . He said the president  thanked Saudi Arabia for extending help to  the flood hit people in Pakistan. The Minister said that President Zardari   has  lauded the role played by Saudi Arabia for promoting  inter- faith harmony.
He said  a Centre established in Vienna would help  highlight the true sprit of Islam.
He said that  Islam has  been wrongly linked to terrorism despite  it being a religion of peace, love and harmony.
He said the King of Saudi Arabia had also appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the people of Pakistan in war against terrorism.
To a question he said action against Anjum Aqeel was taken in accordance with law and added there had   not been any political victimization in the matter.
To another question he said after the passage of 18th Amendment, it is now the task of the provinces to   maintain law and order .
About SAARC conference, the minister said he will discuss the issue of terrorism and other problems with the member states.
He said the government will  complete its  five- year term. This has been allowed  by the people  of the country through the  power of the vote.
He said  those who call for holding mid-term election should respect the mandate as provided to  the Government by  the people of Pakistan.