By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, October 14 (APP): The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, on Tuesday said Pakistan holds a special place in the Muslim world and continues to play a vital role in promoting unity and defending the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
Addressing a grand Ulema conference organized by the MWL here, Dr Issa said his visit to Pakistan was an honor, praising the country’s historical contributions to Islamic solidarity. He emphasized that the recently concluded Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement marks a new chapter in the brotherly relations between the two nations.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share not only faith and history but also a common vision for peace, security, and progress of the Muslim Ummah,” Dr Issa said. “This defence agreement is a message of unity and strength that will bring Muslim countries even closer together.”
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, bilateral relations were witnessing unprecedented growth. “Both nations stand united against Islamophobia and extremism and are committed to presenting Islam’s true image of peace, tolerance, and compassion,” he added.
Referring to ongoing interfaith efforts, Dr Issa said scholars from various Islamic schools of thought had signed a charter for unity, reflecting a shared commitment to cohesion within the Muslim world.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, speaking at the event, said it was an honour to participate in the MWL gathering, describing it as an important platform for fostering Islamic solidarity.
He lauded the MWL’s exemplary role in promoting global peace and harmony and commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in guiding the Muslim Ummah. “The Saudi–Pakistani defence accord carries immense significance and symbolizes our shared destiny,” the minister said.
He also urged religious leaders to play an active role in countering intolerance, extremism, and Islamophobia. “Through unity and harmony, we can project the true, peaceful image of Islam,” he remarked, acknowledging the valuable contributions of Pakistani scholars in strengthening interfaith understanding.
Minister Yousaf concluded by extending prayers for the success of the MWL’s mission and thanking Dr. Issa for his guidance and continued support for Pakistan.
It is noteworthy to add here that Secretary General of the MWL, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is currently on a visit to Pakistan, held the Second Consultative Meeting with leading Pakistani ulema and religious scholars in Islamabad.
The meeting, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre under the theme “Coordination of Positions and Unity of Stance,” focused on fostering greater harmony between the religious communities of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on key issues confronting the Muslim Ummah.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, renowned scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, Allama Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, and CII Chairman Allama Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi were among the prominent participants.
The high-level gathering discussed strategies to promote unity, moderation, and cooperation among Islamic scholars, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to counter extremism and strengthen the message of peace and solidarity across the Muslim world.
Following the deliberations, a joint declaration was issued reaffirming the commitment of the Pakistani and Saudi religious leadership to uphold shared Islamic values, promote interfaith harmony, and address common challenges facing the global Muslim community.
