President reaffirms Pakistan’s support for Palestine

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Palestine in their struggle for self-determination and welcomed peace efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the Muslim World League (MWL) and stressed that any peace initiative must ensure a lasting ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

MWL Secretary General and Organisation of Muslim Scholars Chairman Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa called on President Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here on Friday. He was accompanied by Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saad Masoud Al-Harthi, advisor to secretary general of MWL and regional director, and Abdullatif Yousef Al-Mutlaq, undersecretary for Legal Affairs, MWL.

Welcoming Dr Al-Issa to Pakistan, the president conveyed his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He appreciated Dr Al-Issa’s leadership in promoting unity, moderation, and interfaith harmony, and acknowledged the League’s humanitarian and educational initiatives around the world. He regarded the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities, hosted by the MWL in Islamabad earlier this year, as an important step towards strengthening the intellectual and moral foundations of the Muslim Ummah. Noting the proposed agreement between the MWL and Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the president emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach for projects spanning multiple sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian assistance. He said Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia was historic and deeply rooted in shared faith and mutual respect.

He lauded the Muslim World League’s role in uniting the Muslim Ummah and promoting dialogue, tolerance, and compassion, reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation with the MWL in education, interfaith harmony and humanitarian relief.

Dr Al-Issa said Pakistan held a special place in the hearts of Saudi people, and that bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries continued to grow stronger with each passing day. He described Pakistan-Saudi friendship as a matter of pride for the kingdom, adding that he had followed President Zardari’s political career and regarded it as inspirational.

Dr Al-Issa noted that a recent defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflected the deep trust and strategic alignment between the two nations. Senator Sherry Rehman and Tahir Ashrafi were present.

In another development, Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa led Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid of Parliament House.

In the sermon, he emphasized the importance of unity, tolerance, brotherhood, and adherence to Islamic teachings within the Ummah. He stated that the Muslim world could overcome contemporary challenges through mutual unity, fraternity, and by following the noble example of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

He said that visiting Pakistan was a matter of great honour and personal joy for him. After Juma prayers, he offered special prayers for the peace, progress, prosperity, and solidarity of the Ummah, as well as for global harmony and stability.