RAWALPINDI: Masjid-i-Nabvi (SAW) Imam Dr Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters here on Friday.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed. The COAS welcomed the dignitary and highlighted that his visit to Pakistan is a matter of honour for the people of Pakistan.
The Masjid-i-Nabvi Imam said Pakistan has a significant place in the Muslim world and it is playing its vital role for peace and stability in the region. Both sides expressed satisfaction over Pak-Saudi relations.
At the end, the Masjid-i-Nabvi Imam prayed for the peace, stability and unity of Muslim Ummah.
Meanwhile, the Masjid-e-Nabavi Imam accompanied by Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Maliky visited the Parliament House and witnessed proceedings of the National Assembly.
The proceedings of the House began with recitation from the Holy Quran by the distinguished guest.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcoming the Masjid Nabavi Imam said that it is a moment of joy and blessing.
He also said that Masjid-i-Nabavi has a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world.
The Speaker underscored the visit of Sheikh Salah bin Muhammad as a manifestation of the stable and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Leader of the Opposition Umar Ayub Khan also accorded a warm welcome to the Masjid-e-Nabavi Imam by paying great tributes and homage to the dignitary.
Taking the floor, the opposition leader said the Imam Masjid-e-Nabavi had the unique honour of being the Imam as he led the prayers at the most revered mosque of the Muslim Ummah.
Omar Ayub paid tribute to the Saudi government and the Imam for the great tradition of up-to-the-mark hospitality at the Masjid-e-Nabavi.
He also appreciated the services of the Saudi Ambassador for promoting bilateral relations between brotherly countries of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The opposition leader also thanked the Speaker for issuing the production orders of PTI MNA Haji Chaudhary Imtiaz.
He also lauded Athlete Arshad Nadeem for his superb achievement and demanded the government to ensure a grand welcome of the national hero. “He is an icon for the youth and his life highlights the sheer struggle for achieving ones goals in life.”
Maulana Fazl ur Rehman welcomed the chief guest and Saudi dignitaries in Arabic language.
He said that this House had certain traditions on the arrival of foreign dignitaries like it hosted Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat during prime minister Benazir Bhutto (late), Turkish President Recep Tayyeb Erdogan who had addressed the House.
He recalled that the Imam-e-Makkah had also visited the National Assembly during the tenure of prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani.
Maulana Fazl also appreciated athlete Arshad Nadeem on winning the gold medal in the Paris Olympics Javelin throw competition final.
Syed Mustafa Kamal of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQMP) also welcomed the Imam Masjid-e-Nabavi and Saudi ambassador.
“The Imam has a great dignity and honour which is an envious status for a Muslim. The prayer mat of Holy Prophet (SAW) is only bestowed upon those who were the luckiest and chosen one. We thank him for visiting Pakistan and request him to pray for this nation,” he said.
He also lauded the services of Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Malaki for supporting Pakistan at crucial junctures and for being the ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia.
Later, the Masjid-i-Nabavi Imam also led Juma Prayers at King Faisal mosque.
Sheikh Dr Salah Bin Muhammad and the Saudi ambassador also visit residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad and met the JUIF leadership. The Imam led Maghrib prayers at residence of Maulana Fazl.
Talking to JUIF leaders, he thanked people and the Government of Pakistan for extending hospitality to him in the country.