ISLAMABAD: In a rare move, Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, imam of Makkah’s Grand Mosque, on Wednesday attended the opening session of the Pakistani Cabinet meeting as a special guest.
Usually, foreign guests are not invited to attend such meetings or address the Cabinet. Analysts say inviting the Saudi imam to do so shows that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia.
He thanked Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for the invitation, saying: “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share historical and strong brotherly bonds.”
Bin Humaid added: “Success lies in unity, and the best decisions are made for the benefit of the people.”
He conveyed good wishes to the Cabinet and the people of Pakistan on behalf of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, religious scholars and the Saudi people.
Najam Rafique, director of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, told Arab News: “Pakistan has a special relationship with Saudi Arabia, not only because of the sacred places in the Kingdom, but also because a large number of Pakistanis work there.”
He added: “Cabinet meetings are primarily for special members of the government. He might have conveyed a special message from the Saudi leadership.”
Bin Humaid also held a separate meeting with Abbasi, though details were not made public.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep-rooted ties and cooperate closely in various fields, including defense and security.
