Pakistan, Muslim World League Agree to Deepen Cooperation on Peace and Education

Islamabad Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha

PM Shehbaz, MWL Chief Al-Issa Pledge Deeper Ties to Combat Islamophobia, Boost Regional Peace

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday evening held a high-level meeting with the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, at the Prime Minister House, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, countering extremism, and advancing peace across the Muslim world.

According to an official press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Members of the National Assembly Ms. Farah Naz Akbar and Ms. Zeb Jaffar, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch. The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malky, also accompanied the MWL delegation.

PM Lauds MWL’s Global Role

Welcoming Dr. Al-Issa, the Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for his participation in the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Islamabad on July 12–13. He praised the Muslim World League's invaluable contributions in projecting the true, moderate image of Islam, fostering unity within the Ummah, and spreading the message of tolerance, fraternity, and interfaith dialogue worldwide.

The Prime Minister specifically commended the Secretary General's personal leadership in expanding the League’s global outreach and reaffirmed Pakistan's full and continued support for all MWL initiatives.

Focus on Gaza, Regional Tensions

During the deliberations, PM Shehbaz underscored the critical need for the MWL’s advocacy on religious dialogue, particularly in light of the pressing challenges confronting the Muslim world. He highlighted:

· The ongoing regional situation involving Iran and the brotherly Gulf states.

· The grave plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

· Other mounting challenges faced by Muslim communities globally.

The Prime Minister recalled Dr. Al-Issa’s previous visits to Pakistan and his significant contributions, including the hosting of the International Summit on Girls' Education in Islamabad. He expressed satisfaction over the sustained Pakistan-MWL collaboration in the fields of education, interfaith dialogue, and countering extremism and Islamophobia.

PM Conveys Warm Regards to Saudi Leadership

In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his respectful regards to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and extended his warm good wishes to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

MWL Chief Applauds Pakistan’s Peace Efforts

Responding to the Prime Minister, Dr. Al-Issa thanked the Pakistani leadership for the exceptional hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He lauded Pakistan's pivotal leadership role within the Muslim world and reaffirmed the Muslim World League’s unwavering commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across religious, educational, and humanitarian domains.

In a significant acknowledgment, Dr. Al-Issa praised the Prime Minister for his leading role in recent regional peace efforts. He also expressed deep appreciation for the untiring efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces & Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, specifically recognizing their invaluable contributions to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Way Forward

Concluding the talks, the Prime Minister thanked the Secretary General for his visit, and both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on shared priorities. They committed to the early completion of ongoing joint projects and initiatives between Pakistan and the Muslim World League, further solidifying the partnership for the benefit of the Ummah.