Imam of Prophet’s Mosque calls on army chief during seven-day visit to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Friday met with Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budair, in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi and discussed with him Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and other affairs of mutual interest, the Pakistani military said.
Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budair arrived on a seven-day visit to Pakistan on Thursday, where he met President Asif Ali Zardari. He also led Friday prayers at the Shah Faisal Mosque in the federal capital.
During his meeting with the country’s army chief, the two figures discussed matters of mutual interest, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
“COAS [chief of army staff] welcomed the dignitary and highlighted that visit by His Excellency Imam Masjid-i-Nabvi to Pakistan is a matter of honor for the people of Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
“H.E. Imam Masjid-i-Nabvi said Pakistan has a significant place in the Muslim world and it is playing its vital role for peace and stability in the region. Both sides expressed satisfaction over Pak-Saudi relations.”
Sheikh Salah also prayed for the peace, stability and unity of the Muslim world.
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.
Pakistan has also 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 Salah is also scheduled to meet prominent Pakistani scholars and visit universities during his stay in the South Asian country.