Latest news with #MuslimUmmah
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM, Field Marshal perform Umrah
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.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistani PM holds informal meeting with Saudi Crown Prince at royal court luncheon
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held 'informal talks' with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, Friday, at a special luncheon at the royal court, ahead of bilateral talks between the two leaders. Sharif arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday on a two-day visit in which he will hold bilateral discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and regional security. A statement from Sharif's office said the Crown Prince gave a 'special welcome' to the PM and personally drove him to attend the lunch. 'The Saudi Crown Prince warmly welcomed Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at the lunch and informal talks were held between the two leaders,' the statement said. 'The lunch was attended by important leaders from the Middle East, including members of the Saudi cabinet and top Saudi civil and military leadership.' Sharif reached Jeddah on Thursday evening and departed for Makkah to perform Umrah, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had said in an earlier statement. 'The two leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security,' PMO said about Sharif's meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince later today, Friday. Sharif is also expected to express gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their role in de-escalating recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Last month, following the worst military confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades, Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf nations, played a key role in mediating between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, helping to avert a potential war. The visit also comes amid deepening economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In recent months, the two countries have signed multiple agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Notably, Saudi Arabia has committed to a $5 billion investment package to support Pakistan's economy, which has been grappling with a balance of payments crisis. Last year, Saudi and Pakistani businessmen signed 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion, covering sectors such as industry, technology, and agriculture. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's Manara Minerals is in talks to acquire a 10-20 percent stake in Pakistan's $9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, one of the largest of its kind globally. Defense cooperation is also a key component of the bilateral relationship. The two nations have a history of military collaboration, with Saudi Arabia providing support to Pakistan during times of regional tension and Pakistan training Saudi forces. Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country's economy.
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Pakistan PM Visits Saudi Arabia: Eid Celebrations & Strategic Talks
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a crucial two-day official visit. He accepted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's invitation to strengthen vital bilateral relations between the longstanding allies. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed his arrival and the visit's objectives earlier today. During his stay, PM Sharif will celebrate Eid Al-Adha within the Kingdom. He will hold substantive bilateral talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions will prioritize boosting mutual cooperation in vital trade and investment sectors. Regional security matters will also feature prominently on their shared agenda. The two leaders will explore avenues to further strengthen multifaceted bilateral ties. Enhancing economic partnerships and investment flows remains a top priority. They will also address Muslim Ummah welfare and regional peace initiatives. Acknowledging Mediation & Boosting Economic Partnership PM Sharif will express Pakistan's sincere gratitude for Saudi Arabia's recent diplomatic intervention. The Kingdom played a pivotal role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. Gulf partners supported this crucial mediation effort between the nuclear neighbors last month. This high-level visit underscores rapidly expanding Saudi-Pakistan economic links. Both nations signed multiple significant trade and investment agreements recently. Saudi Arabia committed a substantial $5 billion investment package supporting Pakistan's economy. Saudi and Pakistani businesses signed 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion last year. These agreements cover industry, technology, and agriculture sectors importantly. Manara Minerals is also negotiating to acquire a stake in Pakistan's massive Reko Diq project. Enduring Bonds: Defense & Vital Diaspora Links Defense collaboration remains a cornerstone of the robust Saudi-Pakistan relationship. The nations share a deep history of military cooperation and mutual support. Pakistan also provides valuable training assistance to Saudi forces. Approximately 2.7 million Pakistanis form a crucial diaspora within Saudi Arabia. Their remittances provide the highest foreign exchange inflow for Pakistan. This financial support constitutes an essential economic lifeline for their homeland. Short link : Post Views: 11
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan PM embarks on two-day Saudi Arabia visit to bolster bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on Thursday on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen bilateral relations between the two longstanding allies, the premier's office said. During his stay on June 5 and 6, Sharif will celebrate Eid Al-Adha in the Kingdom and hold a bilateral meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and regional security. 'The two leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security,' according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Sharif is also expected to express gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their role in de-escalating recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Last month, following the worst military confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades, Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf nations, played a key role in mediating between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, helping to avert a potential war. The visit also comes amid deepening economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In recent months, the two countries have signed multiple agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Notably, Saudi Arabia has committed to a $5 billion investment package to support Pakistan's economy, which has been grappling with a balance of payments crisis. Last year, Saudi and Pakistani businessmen signed 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion, covering sectors such as industry, technology, and agriculture. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's Manara Minerals is in talks to acquire a 10-20 percent stake in Pakistan's $9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, one of the largest of its kind globally. Defense cooperation is also a key component of the bilateral relationship. The two nations have a history of military collaboration, with Saudi Arabia providing support to Pakistan during times of regional tension and Pakistan training Saudi forces. Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country's economy.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistani pilgrims pray for Palestinians, Muslim world on sacred Day of Arafat
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pilgrims on Thursday vowed to pray for Palestinians and the wider Muslim world as they joined over a million fellow worshippers in Arafat on one of the most sacred days in Islam to seek forgiveness. The Day of Arafat, observed on the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, marks the spiritual peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Its central ritual, Wuquf, involves standing in devotion from noon until sunset near Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon. After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, located between Arafat and Mina, to collect pebbles for the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual performed the following day. 'It is a big day for the Muslims around the world and those who are present here,' Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said while speaking to media from Mount Arafat. 'I urge Pakistani pilgrims that along with praying for their own families, they should also pray for the country, Muslim Ummah, especially people of Gaza, Palestine and Kashmir,' he added. Malik Aslam, a Pakistani pilgrim from Gujar Khan, a city in Rawalpindi District, said the situation in Gaza was deeply disturbing and that he would pray for Palestinians. 'All pilgrims should pray for all the Muslims, especially those in Palestine,' he told Arab News. 'Pilgrims should pray for the success of Muslims in all fields.' 'I am also praying for my parents and all those who left this world,' he added. Expressing his feelings from Mount Arafat, Muhammad Usman, another pilgrim from Gujrat district in Punjab, said he was thankful to God for blessing him with the opportunity to perform Hajj. 'Today, I am reflecting on my entire life and praying that Allah grant me a better, righteous life ahead,' he told Arab News, saying he would begin a new chapter of life after Hajj. 'I hope to leave here with all my known and unknown sins forgiven,' he added. Muhammad Abdullah, from Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said his day was going well, as the weather was not too hot. 'I will pray for the whole Ummah, following example of our Holy Prophet [PBUH],' he added. Speaking about the arrangements, Samad Wazir, a pilgrim from the northwestern Waziristan tribal district, expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided by both the Pakistani Hajj mission and Saudi authorities, hoping the same standard would continue in the coming days. 'It is very well arranged and there has been no problem at all in the tents and other places,' he said, adding that everyone had their own folding beds and received meals on time in the tents. 'Even on the buses, the arrangements were smooth, as everyone boarded in turn with the help of Hajj volunteers, who also guided us all the way to our tents,' he added. Munir Ahmed Bhatti, a pilgrim from Gujranwala city, also praised the Pakistani mission for the arrangements in Mina and Arafat. 'We gathered for Hajj and this time the government of Pakistan has done very good arrangements and we are satisfied,' he said, adding that pilgrims got good residences, food and transportation. Over 117,000 Pakistani pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025.
