Saudi embassy confirms arrests of Pakistani pilgrims for chanting slogans at Masjid-i-Nabwi

Riyadh: Saudi authorities have arrested some Pakistani pilgrims who chanted slogans against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation at the Masjid-i-Nabwi in Madina on Thursday, the media director of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad confirmed on Friday.

He said the protesters had been taken into custody for "violating the regulations" and "disrespecting" the sanctity of the holy mosque.

Later, Saudi Gazette confirmed that at least five Pakistani nationals were arrested for “abusing and insulting” Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Minister for Narcotics Control Shahzain Bugti at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah.

The publication said the spokesperson of the Madinah Police has said that the suspects have been “referred to the competent authorities after legal procedures were completed against them”.

“Their actions contradict the sanctity of the place and impact the safety of visitors and worshipers,” said the spokesperson. 

Some people chanted political slogans during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team members to the Masjid-i-Nabwi. The premier is visiting the Kingdom on an official invitation. 

It could be seen in the viral videos on social media that some people chanted slogans against the members of the delegation and kept making videos of them.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah earlier requested the Saudi authorities to send CCTV footages of those involved so that teh government could identify them and take legal action.

Federal Minister for Information Maryam Aurangzeb had also condemned the chanting of slogans in Masjid-e-Nabawi, saying "this is the destruction of society."

Talking to media in Madinah, she criticized PTI chief Imran Khan, saying, "the devastation he brought to the society is before you today."

"Our workers are also here but they have been instructed not to adopt such attitude."