Saudi Arabia executes Pakistani for drug smuggling

Published June 5, 2013
The latest beheading in Qatif, Eastern Province, brings to 50 the number of people executed in Saudi Arabia this year.—Reuters/File Photo
The latest beheading in Qatif, Eastern Province, brings to 50 the number of people executed in Saudi Arabia this year.—Reuters/File Photo

RIYADH: Saudi authorities beheaded by the sword on Wednesday a Pakistani convicted of smuggling heroin, the Saudi interior ministry said.

Wajid Ali Zarnoosh was found guilty of trafficking heroin into Saudi Arabia, the ministry said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.

His beheading in Qatif, Eastern Province, brings to 50 the number of people executed in the ultra-conservative kingdom this year.

In 2012, the Gulf country put to death 76 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Human Rights Watch has put the number at 69.

Rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking are all punishable by death under Saudi Arabia's strict Islamic laws.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...