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Pakistan: Suspects in 2011 Killing of Saudi Diplomat Fled to Iran

Pakistani police at the scene of the crime in 2011. (AFP)
Pakistani police at the scene of the crime in 2011. (AFP)
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Pakistan: Suspects in 2011 Killing of Saudi Diplomat Fled to Iran

Pakistani police at the scene of the crime in 2011. (AFP)
Pakistani police at the scene of the crime in 2011. (AFP)

Islamabad has asked authorities in Tehran to assist in the arrest of the suspects behind the assassination of Saudi diplomat Hassan al-Qahtani in Pakistan's Karachi in 2011.

Reports have said the killers had fled to Iran.

The Kingdom's ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf al-Malki, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia was informed by Pakistan that the murderers were indeed in Iran.

Saudi authorities are dedicating all of their efforts to cooperate with Pakistan to arrest them and allow justice to take its course, he added.

A Saudi committee has been formed to tackle the case and it flew to Islamabad two months ago.

New leads in the case had emerged, prompting Pakistan in November to request Iran's assistance to locate the suspects, who have been identified as Ali Mustehsan, Raza Imam and Syed Waqar Ahmed

Qahtani was a diplomat at the Saudi consulate in Karachi.

He was killed after gunmen riding on two motorbikes opened fire at him in his car as he was headed to work.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil participated in the Security Council session on sexual violence in areas of armed conflict, during which he delivered the Kingdom's statement affirming that such violence threatens international peace and security and necessitates holding perpetrators accountable to end impunity.

He stressed the importance of full adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, alongside the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid, SPA reported.

He also commended the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting those affected by conflicts, including victims of sexual violence, in cooperation with international organizations.

Furthermore, Alwasil pointed out that violations in the Palestinian territories, including sexual violence, constitute a grave breach of international law, calling for urgent international action to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.

He concluded by emphasizing that protecting civilians from sexual violence is a shared legal and moral responsibility, requiring enhanced international cooperation and a response to the suffering of victims.

Gulf

Qatar Tells Iran All Parties Should Commit to Diplomacy Following Escalation with US

17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
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Qatar Tells Iran All Parties Should Commit to Diplomacy Following Escalation with US

17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a phone call on Thursday ‌that Iran ‌and the United ‌States ⁠should commit to ⁠diplomacy.

Al-Thani added that the Washington and Tehran should implement the signed memorandum ⁠of understanding aimed ‌at ‌ending the war, ‌the Qatari foreign ‌minister said.

Iran launched drones towards a site in Qatar ‌earlier on Thursday and a Qatari ⁠tanker ⁠was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier the week.

Al-Thani condemned the attack in the call, saying they “undermine trust, threaten international navigation and harm efforts to consolidate regional security and stability,” the foreign ministry said.

He stressed the need for all parties to commit to dialogue and diplomacy, adding that Qatar “supports all efforts aimed at containing the escalation and reaching a comprehensive agreement that consolidates security and stability and achieves sustainable peace in the region.”

Gulf

Kuwait, Bahrain Report Rocket Attacks after US and Iran Trade Strikes

The Kuwait City skyline is pictured from across the waterfront along the Gulf in Salimiyah on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
The Kuwait City skyline is pictured from across the waterfront along the Gulf in Salimiyah on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
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Kuwait, Bahrain Report Rocket Attacks after US and Iran Trade Strikes

The Kuwait City skyline is pictured from across the waterfront along the Gulf in Salimiyah on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
The Kuwait City skyline is pictured from across the waterfront along the Gulf in Salimiyah on June 2, 2026. (AFP)

Air sirens were activated in Bahrain on Wednesday, the interior ministry said, after US strikes on dozens of targets in Iran further shook efforts to end the Middle East war.

"The siren has been sounded," the ministry said on X, before later announcing that defense had intercepted hostile rocket fire. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."

Qatar, meanwhile, raised the security threat level, urging people to remain home and stay clear of windows and open spaces for their safety,

Kuwait’s military said Wednesday its air defenses are engaged to intercept incoming rocket and drone attacks after the United States launched airstrikes targeting Iran.

At least one person was injured, Kuwait's Defense Ministry said, following the latest Iranian attack.

"The injured individual is receiving the necessary medical care and is in stable condition," defense ministry spokesman Colonel Staff Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan said, adding that four missiles and 10 drones had been "successfully intercepted and neutralized" at dawn. 

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) later announced that it launched attacks against US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation to the latest American strikes against it.

The IRGC said it had struck "key infrastructure and facilities" at US bases in Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, and Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain.