The state dinner hosted by PM Imran Khan in the honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. PHOTO: PID
LAHORE: The political leaders of Pakistan have termed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan historic.
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz said Saudi Arabia always supported Pakistan, and nothing could affect the brotherly relations of both the countries.
Hamza maintained that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif developed relationships with Saudi Arabia on the basis of mutual trust.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said, “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia hold the potential to bring economic revolution in the region by giving each other complete support.
“Mohammed bin Salman took historic steps to strengthen Saudi economy in a creative manner.”
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq said, “Saudi Arabia stood by Pakistan after its nuclear experiments when the world imposed restrictions on Pakistan. Saudi Arabia also supported Pakistan when India attacked.”
Haq was confident that the government would discuss with the crown prince about a better future of three million Pakistanis who are working in Saudi Arabia.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said, “Pakistan desires to turn historic relations with Saudi Arabia into a strong strategic partnership.”
In an interview with Saudi TV, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia helped further expand relations between the two countries.
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia relations are deep-rooted in common faith and economic cooperation and Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad implies the strong bonds between the two countries.
Fawad said, “We have given special relaxation in visa to the Saudi nationals.”
He pointed out that there were many picturesque places in Pakistan, including glaciers, and expressed the desire the people from the Gulf countries should visit Pakistan for sightseeing.
The minister said, “We will also sign an MoU with Saudi Arabia for promotion of tourism in the country and a joint committee on the matter has also been constituted.”
He said the people of Pakistan fully support and endorse the vision of the Saudi crown prince.
“We are fully coordinating with Saudi Information Ministry in order to promote tolerance,” Fawad said. “Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) laid the foundation of a society based on tolerance, Islamic brotherhood, welfare of poor and justice.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2019.
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