At meeting with COAS, Masjid-i-Nabvi imam lauds Pakistan’s ‘significant’ role in Muslim Ummah

• Gen Asim Munir welcomes Dr Al-Budair and termed his visit a ‘matter of honour’ for the nation

RAWALPINDI: Dr Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair, the Imam of Masjid-i-Nabvi, on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s “significant place” in the Muslim Ummah during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, reported the military’s media affairs wing.

According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Imam Al-Budair called on COAS Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest.

“Pakistan has a significant place in the Muslim world and it is playing its vital role for peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR quoted the imam as saying.

Welcoming the dignitary, the army chief said his visit was a “matter of honour” for the nation.

The ISPR said both sides expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and Imam Al-Budair also prayed for peace, stability and unity in the Muslim world.

It is to be noted that the Masjid-i-Nabvi Imam had arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on a seven-day goodwill visit.

Earlier in the day, Imam Al-Budair visited the National Assembly where Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warmly welcomed him. The NA speaker described the visit as a moment of “joy and blessing”, said a press release issued by the NA Secretariat.

On the occasion, Imam Al-Budair expressed his happiness for the warm welcome and said that the sincerity and love he received in Pakistan were “unforgettable”.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity among Muslim countries and establishing lasting peace in the region.

Speaking to the distinguish guest, the NA Speaker said the Prophet’s Mosque held a special status for millions of Muslims worldwide and underscored the visit of its imam as a manifestation of the “stable and historic ties” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Later on the speaker’s request, the imam offered a special prayer for Pakistan’s development and prosperity and the promotion of unity and solidarity among Muslims.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been tied a strong multi-faceted relationship, with officials from both countries conducting frequent visits.

In April this year, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had said that his visit to Pakistan would deliver “significant benefits” in the upcoming months by realising the potential of untapped economic development.

‘Shariah, Constitution shirkers aren’t Pakistanis’

Yesterday, COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir on Thursday urged Ulema and Mashaikh (religious scholars) to promote tolerance and unity in society to fight extremism.

Addressing the National Ulema Convention, the COAS said the Pakistan Army was working hard to eradicate strife from the nation, in keeping with divine commandments, as such discord is considered a grave sin against Allah.

He said, “We do not consider those as Pakistanis, who do not follow Shariah and the Constitution.” The religious scholars should bring back moderation in society and reject dissension, he added.