LAHORE: Saudi Arabia is a binding force among Ummah and no one can cause breach in the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, said acting governor Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi here on Tuesday.

Talking to Imaam-i-Kaaba Shaikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany, who met him to discuss matters of mutual interest besides challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, he said that every Muslim looked towards Saudi Arabia for religious sustenance and spiritual succor.

He said the message of peace and brotherhood emanated from the land of Saudi Arabia and Haram Pak, adding that Saudi Arabia’s role was vital in uniting Muslims and promoting brotherhood across the globe.

Mr Elahi said the recent visit of Saudi Prince Muhammad Bin Salman was a great gesture of love, maintaining that the increase in Haj quota and injunction to release Pakistani prisoners on the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan had won hearts of Pakistanis.

He said King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz lived in the hearts of Pakistanis, adding that he visited Pakistan in the past when Chaudhry Shujat Hussain was interior minister and it was a matter of pride for all of us.

Saudi Arabia has always played a vital role in resolving disputes among the Muslim states and strengthening bilateral relations among the Muslim Ummah, he said, and added that every Pakistani was committed to the security of the holy land of Saudi Arabia and praised for the Saudi brethren.

Venerated Imam-i-Kaaba Sheikh Abdullah said that he brought a message of love from Khadim-i-Harmain Sharifain King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, emir Muhammad Bin Salman, religious scholars, intellectuals and people of Saudi Arabia, adding that Saudi Arabia holds Pakistan and people of Pakistan in great respect.

Imam-i-Kaaba said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed long historic ties which started with visit of King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz and have continued to the visit of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

He said Pakistan holds strategic and political importance for the world, adding that the visit of Ameer Muhammad Bin Salman has further strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries. He said Saudi Arab has always stood by Pakistan as a leader, a friend and a benefactor.

Shaikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany hailed Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism and eliminating extremism from the world.

He prayed to the Almighty Allah to protect Pakistan against enemies and make it a citadel of peace and harmony. He hailed the role of Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al Maliki’s in the success of his visit.

Later, Imam-i-Kaaba conducted a special prayer for peace, security, solidarity and longevity of Pakistan. Mr Elahi and Al-Juhany exchanged mementos and relics.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2019