Islamabad, 10 July 2026(Kamran Raja):Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, met with the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who called on him at Parliament House, Islamabad, leading a high-level delegation. The meeting focused on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, unity of the Muslim Ummah, global peace, interfaith harmony, parliamentary diplomacy, trade, investment, and the evolving regional situation.
Welcoming the delegation, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its historic, fraternal, religious and cultural ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He noted that Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times and that the relationship between the two countries is founded on mutual trust, shared faith and enduring cooperation, which continues to grow stronger.
He highlighted the valuable contribution of Pakistani’s diaspora residing in Saudi Arabia, describing them as a strong bridge between the two nations whose dedication and professionalism have contributed significantly to the Kingdom’s development while serving as ambassadors of Pakistan.
The Chairman Senate emphasized the vast potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy and economic development. Recalling his official visits to Saudi Arabia as Speaker of the National Assembly, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chairman Senate, he said those engagements had opened new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors.
He reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan hold the Two Holy Mosques in the highest reverence, describing Makkah and Madinah as the spiritual centre of the entire Muslim Ummah.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani commended the Muslim World League for its outstanding efforts in promoting Muslim unity, moderation, interfaith harmony, combating Islamophobia and advancing global peace. He stressed that the challenges confronting the Muslim world require greater unity, coordinated strategies, effective diplomacy and stronger inter-parliamentary engagement.
The Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving conflicts. He affirmed that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and mutual respect at the regional and international levels.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations, parliamentary cooperation, people-to-people contacts, trade, investment, youth development, scientific research and educational collaboration among Muslim countries. Referring to the recent Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference held in Islamabad, he described it as a significant milestone in advancing parliamentary cooperation across the Muslim world.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, thanked Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for the warm hospitality and paid tribute to Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and safeguarding the interests of the Muslim Ummah. He described Pakistan as an important and respected brotherly country that has consistently made positive contributions to regional and international peace.
Dr. Al-Issa acknowledged the atmosphere of religious harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect in Pakistan, stating that the country’s sincere commitment to peace and wise diplomacy has earned it a distinguished and respected place in the international community.
Dr. Al-Issa particularly appreciated Pakistan’s prudent and effective diplomatic role in helping ease the recent Iran–United States tensions by encouraging dialogue and bringing the two sides closer to negotiations. He termed Pakistan’s efforts a major diplomatic achievement that has been widely acknowledged by the international community and has enhanced the prestige of both Pakistan and the Muslim world.
He further remarked that Pakistan has demonstrated that Muslim nations are champions of peace, moderation, tolerance and coexistence rather than extremism. He added that the entire Muslim world, including Saudi Arabia, takes pride in Pakistan’s successful diplomacy, which has further strengthened its image as a responsible, reliable and influential state.
The Secretary General emphasized that addressing contemporary global challenges requires collective strategies, stronger international cooperation and effective global leadership. He also called for a more active and meaningful role by the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.
The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, enhancing cooperation with the Muslim World League, expanding inter-parliamentary engagement, and promoting the shared interests of the Muslim Ummah.
During the meeting Senators Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, Barrister Hamid Khan, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Niazi, Mishal Azam, Nasir Mehmood Butt, Shahdat Awan, Hidayatullah Khan , Amir Waliuddin Chishti , Hafiz Abdul Karim , Alhajj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, Jan Muhammad , Atta ul Haq and Abdul Qadir and Advisor to Chairman Senate Misbah Khar were also present.