ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday stressed the need for “greater unity and cooperation” among Islamic countries, in his meeting with the prayer leader of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, state-run media reported.
Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budair arrived on a seven-day visit to Pakistan on Thursday, where he is scheduled to meet top government officials and lead the Friday prayers at the Shah Faisal Mosque in the federal capital.
The Prophet’s Mosque, more popularly known as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, holds profound historical and spiritual significance in Islam, having been built by the first Muslim community under the supervision of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is also his last resting place, making the imams of this sacred mosque deeply respected across the Muslim world and widely viewed as embodiments of religious devotion and scholarly wisdom.
“President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need for greater unity and cooperation among Muslim countries to overcome the challenges being faced by the Muslim Ummah,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report.
Zardari noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed excellent relations based on common faith, history, and brotherhood. The president also expressed satisfaction that relations between the two countries were growing stronger, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further boosting bilateral ties.
“He urged the need for promoting cultural and people-to-people relations to bring the two brotherly countries further closer,” APP said.
Zardari praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acknowledging the courage and wisdom with which he was spearheading reforms in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan has been frequently visited by the prayer leader of the Grand Mosque in Makkah in the past.
These visits, along with high-level official exchanges, have played a significant role in strengthening the relations between the two countries.
Saudi religious scholars, such as the prayer leaders of the two holy mosques, have fostered closer ties between the two countries, with many of them often taking a special interest in Islamic education and religious institutions in Pakistan.
Sheikh Al-Budair is also scheduled to meet prominent Pakistani scholars and visit universities during his stay in the South Asian country.
His stay in the country is also expected to further strengthen religious and cultural connections between the two nations.
Pakistan president meets Imam of Prophet’s Mosque, calls for ‘greater unity’ among Muslim states
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Pakistan president meets Imam of Prophet’s Mosque, calls for ‘greater unity’ among Muslim states
- Sheikh Al-Budair, prayer leader of the Prophet’s Mosque, arrived on a seven-day visit to Pakistan on Thursday
- He will lead the Friday prayers at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque, meet top government functionaries in Pakistan
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
