ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the visiting Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Dr. Saleh bin Muhammad Al-Talib, on Monday that Pakistan greatly values its ties with Saudi Arabia, which draw its strength from religious affinities, historic bonds and mutual respect.

In a statement, Abbasi said the imam’s “visit would further strengthen the existing close and brotherly ties between the people of the two countries.”

“Imam-e-Ka’aba thanked the Prime Minister and the government for the warm welcome and observed that the entire Muslim world considers Pakistan as its strength and takes pride in its accomplishments,” the statement read.



In a meeting also attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliky and other Saudi dignitaries, both sides discussed the regional situation and the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.

The imam appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in promoting peace in the region.

“He appreciated the efforts and the steps taken by the government toward overcoming the menace of terrorism,” the official note added.

Later the visiting imam met Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad and discussed the issues facing by Muslims. He suggested that both countries should work closely with each other.

The imam arrived in Lahore on March 7 to attend the All Pakistan Ahle-e-Hadith Conference.

He is visiting on the invitation of Professor Sajid Mir, central (Amir) head of Jamiat Ahle Hadith.



The imam also visited General Headquarters and called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the military said.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

Dr. Saleh said Pakistan has a significant place in the Muslim world and it was playing a vital role for peace and stability in the region. 

He said the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are based on bonds of brotherhood and mutual trust.

Both nations will continue to play a part for peace and stability & betterment of Ummah, the statement said.