Kashmir is part of Pakistan: Imam-e-Kaaba

ISLAMABAD: Imam of Kaaba Dr Saleh bin Muhammad Al-Talib met President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday. During meeting with them, he exchanged views on different issues related to Muslims, security, terrorism and interfaith harmony.

While meeting with Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the Parliament House on Monday, the Imam-e-Kaaba admired Pakistan’s role for maintaining peace in the region. While talking about the Kashmir issue, the Imam of Kaaba said he considers Kashmir a part of Pakistan and accepts this reality. “I always remember the innocent people of Kashmir in my prayers,” Dr Saleh bin Muhammad said.

The Imam of Kaaba expressed that terrorism and extremism could not be tolerated anymore and they should not be linked to Islam. He called for unity in the ranks of the Muslim world and condemned sectarianism and extremism.

“Terrorism is destroying economy and spreading poverty and ignorance in the world, so it is the responsibility of the Islamic scholars to stand against this evil,” he said. During meeting with Imam-e-Kaaba President Mamnoon Hussain proposed a system for the rehabilitation and support of people suffering due to unrest and instability in different parts of the Islamic world and said the whole Muslim Ummah, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, should work actively in that regard. He also called for steps to counter Islamophobia.

The president underscored that Islamophobia had emerged in the world during the last few years, which needed to be countered. He was pleased that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were working together to eliminate the misperceptions against Islam, he added.

On the occasion, the president also conveyed his best wishes for King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and the people of Saudi Arabia. The Imam of Masjid Al-Haram said that relationship of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was not merely a diplomatic one but it was based on faith. Pakistan was the strength of Saudi Arabia and both countries had collective goals, he added.

While talking to Imam-e-Kaaba here at PM Office Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistan greatly values its ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which draws its strength from religious affinities, historic bonds and mutual respect.

The PM said the people of Pakistan had great respect for him and considered his visit as a matter of honour. He said the visit of Imam-e-Kaaba would further strengthen the existing close and brotherly ties between the people of the two countries.

The Imam-e-Kaaba thanked the prime minister and the government for a warm welcome and observed that the entire Muslim world considered Pakistan as its strength and takes pride in its accomplishments.

The prime minister conveyed warm wishes, on his own behalf and on behalf of the people of Pakistan, for Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi government and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.

The Imam-e-Kaaba was accompanied by Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki and other Saudi dignitaries. Minister for Communications Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Senator Professor Sajid Mir and senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Talking to the Speaker National Assembly the Imam expressed immense pleasure on his visit to Pakistan and said that people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had strong and eternal bonds. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan is worried about the situation of entire Muslim Ummah. “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the protection of Harmain Sharifain,” the Speaker assured.  

Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Federal Minister Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Senator Professor Sajid Mir, Senator elect Hafiz Abdul Kareem, MNAs Sahibzada Tariq Ullah, Sheikh Salahuddin, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki and others were also present in the meeting.