Muslim world needs to adopt a collective strategy to counter the Islamophobia: Yousaf Raza Gilani

ISLAMABAD, August 08 (SABAH): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a long history of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in divers sectors and there is still huge potential for exploring new avenues and boost cooperation in defence , trade and economic sectors.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed these views while talking to a delegation led by Imam of Masjid Nabawi Sheikh Dr. Salah Muhammad Al-Bdeer at the Parliament House on Thursday. Chairman Senate said that relationship between the two countries is based on common religion, culture and values and such a cordial relationship between the two is testament to the fact that both attach great importance to enhanced collaboration. He said that Masjid Al-Nabawi holds a profound place in the hearts of Pakistani Muslim and it is not merely a mosque but symbol of unity, peace and devotion.

The Chairman Senate termed the visit of the Imam Masjid Al- Nabawi as a significant and said that the visit underscores the enduring brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Chairman Senate observed that under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the bond of friendship between the two nations has flourished.

The Chairman Senate also highlighted the issue of Islamophobia and said that the Muslim world needs to adopt a collective strategy to counter the Islamophobia and convince the global community that Islam is religion of peace. He called upon the Muslims show unity in its ranks and act in unison to counter those challenges. Chairman Senate also highlighted the importance of high level contacts and said that people to people linkages can be further strengthened when leadership interacts more frequently and there is more corporation between nations. The Chairman Senate observed the government and people of Pakistan deeply appreciate the support provided by the Saudi Arabia during hard times.

The Chairman Senate also appreciated the linkages and cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia at all international forums including OIC. He also highlighted the Kashmir and Palestine issues. He called upon the Muslim Ummah to play its role in peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue. Pakistan, he said, wants a peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people and the United Nations Security Council resolutions. Regarding Palestine issue, the Chairman Senate observed that we stand by the people of Palestine. He condemned the indiscriminate Israeli hostilities.

The Chairman Senate also acknowledged the role of 2.5 million Pakistani diaspora working in the Saudi Arabia. He said that the diaspora is playing a significant role in the progress and development of our two countries. He also thanked the leadership, government and the people of Saudi Arabia for looking after the wellbeing of their Pakistani brothers and sisters. 

The Chairman Senate said that parliamentary friendship groups play an important role in strengthening and expanding people to people contacts and in this regards friendship groups are being formed in the Senate of Pakistan for enhancing mutual cooperation in diverse sectors.

Senator Sherry Rahman, Irfan ul Haq Siddiqi, Maulana Atta Ur Rehman, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Abdul Wasay, Khalida Ateeb and Aimal Wali Khan were over also present during the meeting.

Leader of Saudi delegation expressed his delight to visit Pakistan.  He said that the leadership, government and people of Saudi Arabia love their Pakistani brothers and sisters and they have a special place in their hearts. He also thanked chairman senate for his remarks. He said that the issues the chairman Senate has highlighted are also important for Saudi Arabia. He also agreed with the views of chairman Senate that there is a dire need to forge unity in the ranks of Muslim Ummah. “For peace, we need to act wisely and educate our young generation in a way to promote tolerance” the leader of Saudi delegation said. He also prayed for the prosperity of Pakistan.