Visit of Crown Prince to bolster Pak-Saudi relations to new heights: Ashrafi

Both countries agreed to renew efforts to collectively eradicate terrorism

Visit of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman to Pakistan proved to be a milestone to bolster Pak-Saudi Arabia relations as the leadership of both the countries has renewed the determination to collectively eradicate the menace of terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence from the Islamic world. This was said by Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.

Talking to the media in Islamabad on Monday on the eve of the Saudi prince’s visit, Ashrafi said that the conspiring elements and forces targeting Pak-Saudi relations who were trying to start a malicious propaganda prior to the prince’s visit have seen their conspiracies fail.

People of Pakistan are indebted to the love and affection of Prince Muhammad bin Salman for our country, said Ashrafi. He added that the visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan will prove to be a milestone.

The visit also holds significance in terms of increasing the unity and stability of the Muslim world. Leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are willing and committed to collectively resolving issues of the Muslim world, including the conflicts taking place in Yemen, Syria, Palestine and Kashmir.

The Saudi prince’s visit has made it known to the global community that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stand united for security, stability and defense of Harmain Al Sharifain, said Ashrafi. This display of unity has sent the enemies of Muslims that both the countries will jointly face any opposing force, he added.

Ashrafi also thanked the Saudi prince for taking immediate action upon the request of Prime Minister Imran khan to release the 2,100 Pakistani prisoners detained in Saudi Jails with immediate effect.

Responding to a query, Ashrafi stated that Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s efforts for bolstering ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are laudable.

Being army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa played a very imperative and effective role in enhancing brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Arab world.

Replying to another question, Ashrafi stated that Pakistan has never objected to diplomatic relations between India and Iran and keeping this in perspective no one should raise fingers on strengthening relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan through thick and thin and remained a strong ally. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share strong ties through their faith, loyalty and brotherhood.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2019.