Terror in Pakistan, S Arabia well-thought-out conspiracy, says Imam-e-Ka’aba

ISLAMABAD: Imam-e-Ka’aba Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammad bin Talib on Saturday said terrorism in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was a well-thought-out conspiracy and expressed the confidence that both the brotherly countries would defeat it together.

The Imam is currently visiting Pakistan on the invitation of JUI leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to attend the centenary celebrations of the Jamiat.

During a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain at the President House, the Imam said deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly countries were based on strong foundations.

The Imam said he regarded Pakistan as his own home and expressed gratitude for the warm love accorded to him during his visit.

He said Islam rejected all forms of violence and extremism and called for forging unity in the ranks of Muslim Ummah to collectively face all the challenges.

President Mamnoon called for establishing an international group, comprising Ulema and religious scholars, to present a true picture of Islam in order to arrest the trend of extremism and try to bring the misled back to normal life.

The president said Pakistan was committed to protecting the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and any aggression against Saudi Arabia will be considered aggression against Pakistan.

He said the people and the Government of Pakistan had the greatest regard for Saudi Arabia.

He said relations between the two brotherly countries were embedded in strong bonds of friendship, religion, fraternity, shared history and cultural ties. 

He said Saudi Arabia had always supported Pakistan on all important issues at regional and international forums including the Kashmir dispute.

He expressed gratitude that Saudi Arabia stood by Pakistan in every difficult hour and rendered assistance during natural calamities, which was greatly valued by the people of Pakistan.

He thanked Saudi Arabia for restoring 20 percent Haj quota for Pakistan and lauded the Kingdom for making excellent arrangements for Haj and Umrah every year.

He called for establishing a consultative platform of experts in social sciences to deliberate on a strategy to safeguard the Muslim World from alien cultural invasion. 

He stressed that a system should be devised for rehabilitation and assistance of the people of Islamic World affected by wars and terrorism. 

President Mamnoon said recommendations should be formulated to harmonise the educational curriculum of religious educational institutions with modern requirements so that the Muslim Ummah could excel in the comity of nations.

The Imam also invited President Mamnoon Hussain to visit Saudi Arabia at his earliest convenience. 

The Imam-e-Kaaba also offered special prayers for the unity, harmony, stability, progress and prosperity of Muslim Ummah.

Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, MNA Hafiz Abdul Karim and senior officials were also present on the occasion. 

Talking to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House, the Imam praised his services for promotion of unity among the Muslim countries and his affection for the cause of Muslims across the world.

He said the prime minister had brought esteem to Pakistan due to his commendable role.

The Imam thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome accorded to him.

Nawaz warmly welcomed the Imam to Pakistan and said the people of Pakistan attached great religious and spiritual attachment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia housing two Holy Mosques — Rosa-e-Rasool (SAW) and Holy Ka’aba.

He said although Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were geographically located apart, the mutual Islamic and cultural values had kept the two nations’ hearts together.

He said relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had become closer and stronger and the people of both the countries had a lot of respect for each other.

Nawaz impressed upon the religious leaders and scholars to strive in unison for countering negative propaganda being wrongly spread against Islam.

He reminded that Islam was the message of love, peace, patience, forgiveness and respect for humanity and it was the need of time to disseminate this message all over the world.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Acting Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Habeebullah Al-Bokhari and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

The Imam vowed to unite the Muslim Ummah saying Muslims across the world must get united for solution to their problems. The Imam said the entire Muslim Ummah was facing terrorism and extremism which had disrupted the life of citizens and economic activities.

The Imam led the Asr prayers at the Parliament House. Parliamentarians, journalists, officers and a large number of staff of arliament House offered the prayers.

Leader of Opposition Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister of State for CAAD Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and other parliamentarians were also present.

“We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the protection of Harmain Sharifain,” the deputy speaker assured.

He said relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were deep-rooted and time-tested and the same level of relationship existed between the people of both countries.