FAISALABAD, Sep 22 (APP):Ulema Council Pakistan (UCP) Chairman Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations through expanded cooperation in defense, trade, investment, skilled manpower and diplomacy, stressing that Muslim countries should address differences through dialogue, moderation and mutual respect while working collectively for peace and stability. In a message issued ahead of Saudi National Day, to be observed on September 23, he said that the …
Qasmi for further strengthening Pak-Saudi bonds
FAISALABAD, Sep 22 (APP):Ulema Council Pakistan (UCP) Chairman Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations through expanded cooperation in defense, trade, investment, skilled manpower and diplomacy, stressing that Muslim countries should address differences through dialogue, moderation and mutual respect while working collectively for peace and stability.
In a message issued ahead of Saudi National Day, to be observed on September 23, he said that the occasion marked the unity, national identity and development journey of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He said that relations between the two countries were not confined to diplomatic interests but were rooted in religious affinity, mutual respect, public contacts, historical bonds and shared interests. The tradition of standing by each other during difficult circumstances had further strengthened these relations, he added.
Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi said that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey could further organize and strengthen their existing historical, religious, political and defense ties through enhanced cooperation.
He stressed that defense cooperation should focus on mutual security, strengthening defense capabilities, countering terrorism and promoting regional peace. The three countries could utilize their experience, resources and diplomatic influence to contribute to peace, stability and cooperation in the region, he added.
He also highlighted efforts by Saudi Arabia and the Muslim World League to address sectarian differences in the Muslim world through scholarly dialogue, moderation and mutual respect instead of confrontation. He said that efforts against extremism and terrorism and initiatives promoting moderation and tolerance were imperative for peace and stability across the Muslim world.
He said, “Pakistani people’s attachment to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is rooted in faith and religious devotion. The safety, sanctity and security of the two holy cities are of fundamental importance to Muslims across the world.”
He strongly condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people.
He said that Ulema Council Pakistan fully supported the sovereignty and security of Saudi Arabia and protection of the holy sites.
He urged religious scholars to use their pulpits to promote respect for sanctity of the holy sites, Saudi Arabia’s security, Muslim unity, moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Zahid Qasmi said that Pakistan-Saudi economic cooperation had considerable potential in trade, investment, energy, minerals, agriculture, construction, infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology. He stressed the need to translate these opportunities into practical cooperation through mutual benefit, transparency, continuity and effective planning.
He said that Pakistani manpower had also played an important role in Saudi Arabia’s development as a large number of Pakistanis were serving in different sectors of the Kingdom and contributing to the economic and people-to-people links between the two countries.
He called for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, employment, education, technology and skilled manpower so that people of both countries could benefit further from their longstanding relationship.
He described Palestine as one of the major issues confronting the Muslim world and said that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey could utilize their diplomatic, political and moral influence to play an effective and peaceful role in support of the basic rights, security and aspirations of the Palestinian people. He stressed the need for the Muslim world to raise a united, principled and effective voice at the international level for the rights of the Palestinian people.
He said that mutual confidence and longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could provide a strong foundation for joint diplomatic efforts in this regard.
He extended heartfelt greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi leadership, religious scholars and the Saudi people on the National Day of the Kingdom.
He said that Pakistani nation prayed for the security, stability, progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, adding that the Kingdom would always hold a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis because of its association with the holy sites.
He said that people of Pakistan deeply valued their historical, brotherly and religious ties with the Saudi government and people and condemned any aggression against the Kingdom.
He emphasized that the sanctity of the holy sites, Saudi Arabia’s security, unity of the Muslim Ummah, support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, Pak-Saudi economic and defense cooperation, and collective efforts for peace and stability in the Muslim world were shared responsibilities.
He prayed for lasting peace, security, stability and prosperity in Saudi Arabia, protection of the holy sites from all forms of harm, further strengthening of Pakistan-Saudi brotherly relations and unity, wisdom, moderation and peace for the Muslim Ummah.
