During a high-level diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, performed Umrah alongside a senior delegation.
The visit coincides with the Hajj season and was made at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The delegation accompanying the country’s top leadership included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Their pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca formed part of their official engagements in the Kingdom.
In a rare honor extended to the Pakistani leadership, the doors of the Kaaba were specially opened for Prime Minister Sharif and General Munir.
The two were allowed to enter the sacred interior of the holy site, where they offered voluntary prayers and expressed gratitude to the Almighty.
According to sources, the leaders prayed for continued unity in the Muslim world and offered supplications for the people of Gaza and Kashmir, as well as recent national successes.
The delegation received a formal and respectful welcome upon reaching Jeddah.
Among those present to greet the prime minister were Prince Saud bin Abdullah Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah; Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan; and Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, along with other officials.
A key meeting is scheduled to take place between Prime Minister Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trip.
Discussions are expected to center around deepening bilateral economic ties, attracting new investments, and advancing initiatives for peace and prosperity across the Muslim world.
It is also expected that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will commend the Saudi leadership for their diplomatic role in helping ease recent strains between Pakistan and India, reinforcing Islamabad’s appreciation for Riyadh’s mediation efforts.
