Addressing a high-profile security conference in the German capital, Durre Ahmed said, 'It's a very critical factor regarding foreign policy, human rights, womens' rights:
Where is the West's voice when it comes to Saudi Arabia?'
'I feel very strongly about these things. None of these things, whether it is democracy or womens' rights are practiced there (Saudi Arabia). Yet there is a complete silence,' added Ahmed who heads the research department at the Lahore-based Center for the Study of Gender and Culture.
International human rights organizations have long criticized the western-backed Saudi regime for its history of human rights abuse, especially against women and foreign migrant workers.
The Saudi kingdom is also involved in a massive political repression against its own people, targeting especially its Shiite minority.
The Western governments have been reluctant to really criticize the Saudi dictatorship since they depend heavily on its energy resources.
According to Amnesty International, Saudi authorities have repeatedly launched a sustained assault on human rights under the pretext of combating terrorism.
Thousands of people have been arrested and detained in virtual secrecy, while others have been killed in uncertain circumstances.
Hundreds more face secret and summary trials and possible execution.
Many are reported to have been tortured in order to extract confessions or as punishment after conviction.
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