Pakistan denied consular access to Zaid Hamid

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 August 2015

Saudi authorities have denied Pakistan's request for consular access to Zaid Hamid, causing concerns among officials. Prime Minister's Advisor Sartaj Aziz provided updates in the National Assembly.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have denied a request by Pakistan embassy for consular access to Zaid Hamid, a security analyst and commentator. Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz disclosed this to the National Assembly Monday while responding to a question asked by Awami Muslim League chief Shaikh Rashid. “We are hopeful for an early solution of the case,” he said, adding that Pakistan embassy officials are still struggling to get in touch with Hamid. Hamid was arrested in Saudi Arabia in the second week of June while on a private visit there. His wife was also travelling with him.

Aziz, however, expressed his ignorance about charges against Hamid. “The charges against him have not been made public yet and we are also not aware of any,” he said. He said that Hamid was arrested in the Kingdom apparently for some of his controversial statements against the Saudi government and monarchy.

KEY POINTS:

• Zaid Hamid was arrested in Saudi Arabia in June.
• Pakistan's embassy requested consular access but was denied.
• Sartaj Aziz revealed details in the National Assembly.
• The reasons for Hamid's arrest remain unclear.
• Hamid's controversial statements are speculated to be the cause.