Political Leader and Field Marshal Completed Umrah Pilgrimage

Umrah With Saudi Crown Prince: Strengthening Ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH — In a significant move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir teamed up on an Umrah pilgrimage with a Pakistani delegation, during their current official trip to Saudi Arabia.

While in the holy city, they offered special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and the suffering people of Gaza. The emotional journey was a symbol of brotherhood and unwavering support between the two nations.

Upon touching down in Jeddah, an enthusiastic welcome was extended to the Prime Minister by Prince Saud bin Abdullah Al Jiluwi, Governor of Jeddah; Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan; Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and other diplomatic personnel.

The Prime Minister's visit in late May is scheduled for June 5 and 6, and he will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha in Saudi Arabia. Exciting plans include a special meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — a meeting that is expected to solidify the ties between the two countries further.

The much-anticipated meeting between the leaders of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia promises to discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, aiding the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans to thank the Saudi leadership for their vital role in quelling the recent Pakistan-India tensions during the meeting. A glimpse of the potential outcomes:

Strengthening Strategic Ties: Both leaders aim to elevate the strategic alliance between Islamabad and Riyadh by aligning their efforts with the shared vision of their leaders and the aspirations of their people.
Economic Collaboration: Saudi Arabia will invest a staggering $5 billion to boost Pakistan's economy, building on last year's 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion across various industries, technology, and agriculture. Additionally, talks are underway for Saudi business interests to lock down a stake in Pakistan's Reko Diq copper and gold mining project.
Defense and Security: Defense cooperation remains paramount, with ongoing military collaboration and joint training initiatives. Both sides place a strong emphasis on security cooperation in regional dynamics.
People-to-People Ties: Pakistan's 2.7 million strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia is not just a source of vital remittances but also reinforces people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Muslim Ummah Solidarity: The leaders reaffirmed their steadfast dedication to global Muslim communities and vowed to address their challenges.
Humanitarian Issues: They addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing unwavering support for a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue. The leaders called on the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to end the sufferings and pledged action based on the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Hajj Preparations: Prime Minister Sharif extended his warmest congratulations to Saudi Arabia on its Hajj preparations and offered warm Eid greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the kingdom’s exceptional hospitality towards pilgrims.
Regional Mediation: Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in mediating between India and Pakistan, de-escalating recent military confrontations and averting potential conflict.
Commitment to Dialogue: Prime Minister Sharif reiterates Pakistan's policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression and emphasizes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.
Regional Stability: The leaders discussed broader regional security concerns and expressed mutual commitment to promoting stability and peace in South Asia and the Middle East.
Future Engagements: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Pakistan, which the Crown Prince accepted. This move underscores both countries' commitment to deepening ties through continued high-level engagements.
In the context of strengthening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the much-anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will discuss politics and general-news topics such as economic collaboration, regional peace and security, and the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah.
The Prime Minister's visit with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also promises discussions on addressing humanitarian issues, like the dire situation in Gaza, and regional mediation, with Saudi Arabia's instrumental role in mediating between India and Pakistan.