PM meets Muslim World League chief, discusses regional peace, Gaza, interfaith cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Saudi-based organization on education, interfaith dialogue, and countering extremism and Islamophobia.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister House, the premier welcomed Dr. Al-Issa and thanked him for participating in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Islamabad on July 12-13.

The prime minister praised the Muslim World League’s role in promoting what he described as the true and moderate image of Islam, fostering unity among the Muslim Ummah, and advancing tolerance, fraternity and interfaith harmony worldwide. He also commended Dr. Al-Issa’s leadership in expanding the organization’s global outreach and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for its initiatives.

Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of the MWL’s advocacy for religious dialogue in addressing challenges facing the Muslim world, including the evolving regional situation involving Iran and the Gulf states, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and other issues confronting Muslim communities.

The premier recalled Dr. Al-Issa’s previous visits to Pakistan, including his role in hosting the International Summit on Girls’ Education in Islamabad, and expressed satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the MWL in education and humanitarian initiatives.

He also conveyed his regards to Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and extended good wishes to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Dr. Al-Issa thanked the prime minister for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation and praised Pakistan’s leadership role in the Muslim world. He reaffirmed the MWL’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in religious, educational and humanitarian fields.

The MWL chief also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in recent regional peace efforts and appreciated the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir toward the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and expedite the implementation of ongoing joint projects and initiatives between Pakistan and the Muslim World League.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, MNAs Farah Naz Akbar and Zeb Jaffar attended the meeting. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al Malky accompanied Dr. Al-Issa.