Muslim communities: PM urges MWL to step up efforts to foster dialogue

ISLAMABAD: As conflicts flare and political fault lines deepen across the Muslim world, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged the Muslim World League (MWL) to step up efforts to foster dialogue, bridge divides and promote unity among Muslim communities.

Talking to MWL Secretary General Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the prime minister highlighted a growing list of flashpoints confronting Muslim countries – from tensions between Iran and Gulf states to the devastation in Gaza and broader challenges facing Muslim communities worldwide.

The talks also touched on Pakistan’s ongoing cooperation with the organisation in areas including education, countering extremism and addressing Islamophobia.

He praised the MWL’s advocacy for religious dialogue and said its focus on moderation, tolerance and interfaith engagement was important at a time of growing divisions.

The prime minister referred to Dr Al-Issa’s previous visits to Pakistan, including his participation in an international summit on girls’ education held in Islamabad.

He also conveyed his greetings to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Dr Al-Issa said the MWL remained committed to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in religious, educational and humanitarian fields, while praising Islamabad’s role in regional affairs.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in connection with the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Dr Al-Issa, who is visiting Pakistan to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women being held in Islamabad on July 12-13, was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al Malky.

The MWL is an international non-governmental organisation headquartered in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that works to promote Islamic values, moderation, religious dialogue and cooperation among Muslim communities worldwide.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026