Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid made his inaugural visit to Pakistan, where he met with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Friday. Sheikh Saleh, one of the nine imams of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, arrived in the federal capital on Wednesday, aiming to bolster the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting with the interim Prime Minister, Sheikh Saleh commended the substantial contribution of the Pakistani workforce to the development and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan. Simultaneously, PM Kakar strongly denounced the oppression of Palestinians in Gaza, condemning the indiscriminate killing of children by Israeli forces. Expressing unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for established relief routes to facilitate aid delivery.
PM Kakar also lauded the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for unequivocally expressing support for the Palestinians during the Islamic leadership conference on the Gaza situation. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of educating the youth on the rich history and culture of Islam through documentaries, aiming to counteract Islamophobia. The Prime Minister proposed broadcasting these documentaries in various languages to disseminate the true essence of Islam worldwide.
Addressing the historical ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, PM Kakar highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring fraternal connections based on shared beliefs, destinies, and robust cultural foundations.
The prime minister expressed gratitude, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan during challenging times. He particularly praised Saudi cooperation in advancing the education and health sectors within Pakistan, emphasizing the care provided by the Saudi government to the Pakistani workforce in the Kingdom.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also extended a warm welcome to the establishment of a news agency under the auspices of the Islamic Cooperation Organisation (OIC).
Imam-e-Kaaba Meets COAS
In a separate engagement, the Imam-e-Kaba, Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid, visited COAS Gen Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During their discussions, matters of mutual interest were addressed. COAS welcomed the distinguished visitor, emphasizing that the Imam-e-Kaaba’s visit to Pakistan was a matter of great honor for the country. He highlighted the widespread reverence for Harmain Sharifain and the profound respect for their custodian among Muslims worldwide.
Both dignitaries condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the oppression faced by Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir.
The ISPR quoted Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh, affirming that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, with no room for misinterpreted interpretations. The army chief echoed sentiments of strong strategic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in historic religious and cultural ties. He underlined the unique reverence for the Kingdom in the hearts of Pakistanis, along with a shared unanimity of views between the two brotherly countries.
Concluding the meeting, the Imam-e-Kaaba offered prayers for the peace, stability, and unity of the Ummah.
