PM Shehbaz hails Saudi Arabia's commitment to ‘never leave Pakistan alone'

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday applauded Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for Pakistan, highlighting the kingdom’s role in seeing the country through the testing times.

“[During our meeting], Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia will never leave Pakistan’s side and expressed the Saudi government's boundless affection for the nation,” PM Shehbaz said addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Seerat Museum in Islamabad.

The auspicious event was attended by dignitaries including Dr Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League.

The PM thanked Saudi Arabia for its special attention to Pakistan, noting that the ties between the two nations were exemplified by initiatives ranging from the iconic Faisal Mosque to the upcoming Seerat Museum.

The premier also announced that a high-level Saudi delegation would soon visit Pakistan, which would bring the two countries even closer.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia's role in Pakistan's development across various sectors, PM Shehbaz said the Seerat Museum would go a long way in combating Islamophobia and dispelling negative propaganda aimed at Muslims.

During the PM's visit, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia doubled down on its pledge to speed up the initial phase of their $5 billion investment in Pakistan, a joint statement released by the office of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

PM Shehbaz called on Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, last week at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

Both parties, as per the handout, affirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of investment package worth $ 5 billion which was discussed previously.

In today's address, the PM also thanked the crown prince, for generously hosting his delegation during his recent trip to Saudi Arabia.

'Ideological conflicts' 

He lamented the ideological conflicts stemming from the struggles over resources in the past that gave rise to negative and misleading narratives about Islam and Muslims.

“The establishment of the Seerat Museum will provide valuable insight into the virtuous life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) for the younger generation,” the PM said.

While welcoming the Saudi delegation led by Dr Mohammad Al-Issa, he appreciated the International Islamic Relief Organisation – the charity founded by the Muslim World League – for its welfare work around the world.

Shehbaz said the organisation was giving relief to the Palestinians who were facing inhuman conditions due to the barbarism and aggression of Israel.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestinians and said his country would send more humanitarian aid to the oppressed people of Gaza.