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PM performs Umrah; prays for Pakistan

PM performs Umrah; prays for Pakistan

Express Tribune22-03-2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday performed Umrah, along with his high-level delegation, during the four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister, who arrived here in the holy city of Makkah on Friday, also offered Nawafil at the Holy Ka'aba.
He prayed for the progress and betterment of Pakistan and its people as well as the Muslim Ummah.
Later, the prime minister arrived in Pakistan after completing his official visit to KSA.
At Jeddah Airport, Governor Makkah Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi bade the prime minister farewell.

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Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday agreed to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries". Both the leaders also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to an official statement. Shehbaz, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, met with the Saudi crown prince in Makkah, a day after the conclusion of Hajj. The PM was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi. Prime Minister Shehbaz extended warm Eid greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and commended the kingdom's hospitality and service to the pilgrims from around the world who are in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. He expressed gratitude for the remarkable efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince in ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience. He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's proactive role during recent tensions between Pakistan and India, and its steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. Shehbaz underscored Pakistan's policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression, emphasizing that sustainable peace in South Asia is achievable only through dialogue. The two leaders also held detailed discussions on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the imperative for the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations and reiterated their unwavering support for a just and durable resolution to the Palestinian question, grounded in the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and security domains. The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted, strategic, and fraternal ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The PM extended a cordial invitation to the crown prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which the prince graciously accepted.

PM, Field Marshal perform Umrah
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JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have performed Umrah along with members of the Pakistani delegation during their ongoing official visit to Saudi Arabia. During the Umrah pilgrimage, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for the oppressed people of Gaza. Upon arrival in Jeddah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Prince Saud bin Abdullah Al Jiluwi, Governor of Jeddah; Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan; Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and other diplomatic officials. The Prime Minister's visit is scheduled for June 5 and 6, and he is spending Eid-ul-Azha in Saudi Arabia. A special meeting will be held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the meeting, both leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also thank the Saudi leadership for their constructive role in easing the recent Pakistan-India tensions.

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