Paigham-i-Islam Conference awards title of ‘Greatest Victorious General of the Century’ to CDF Asim Munir
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presents shields for Saudi leaders to Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy during the sixth Paigham-e-Islam conference. PHOTO: APPLICATION
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan has become a key force for peace and stability in the region, recognizing the country’s diplomatic efforts for facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the 6th Paigham-e-Islam International Conference here, the Prime Minister said the gathering at the conference reflected the unity of the Muslim Ummah and recognized the valuable contributions of religious scholars in promoting harmony.
He revealed that Pakistan had succeeded in persuading the leaders of Iran and the United States to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979, with talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. He expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Pakistan’s invitation and agreeing to a ceasefire.
“This reflects the confidence that the international community has in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country had rendered an important service aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Advisor to the Palestinian President on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations and Supreme Judge (Qazi ul Qaza) of Palestine Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Minister of Religious and Interfaith Affairs Harmon Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism that Pakistan’s continued efforts would lead to lasting peace in the region.
He also paid tribute to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his key role in maintaining regional peace. He also acknowledged the support of China and Turkey, as well as other friendly countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts in bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
He prayed for the success of Pakistan’s efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire and highlighted the importance of strong ties with Saudi Arabia, noting that bilateral relations had reached new heights, especially in the area of defense cooperation. He reiterated that protection of Harmain Sharifain remained a matter of faith for Pakistan.
Referring to recent challenges, the Prime Minister said the entire nation remained united irrespective of sectarian differences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace.
He urged religious scholars (ulama) to play a proactive role in fostering unity and cohesion through their sermons, encouraging people to unite for national stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on Palestine and Kashmir, he said the country would continue to support their people until they achieve independence. He also condemned elements involved in terrorism and efforts to divide the Muslim Ummah.
The Prime Minister also distributed shields to renowned personalities in recognition of their distinguished services rendered to the Muslim Ummah.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking on the occasion, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, highlighting the sustained diplomatic commitment to de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stand on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, and highlighted the importance of Muslim unity, the central role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and collective action for the welfare of the Ummah. He also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in combating Islamophobia globally and promoting interfaith harmony.
The DPM/FM paid tribute to Pakistan’s resilience and national resolve, reflecting on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq”.
He stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, peace, progress and prosperity remained at the heart of Pakistan’s national vision.
Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said Pakistan has constantly raised the issue of Palestine at every international forum and has made sustained efforts over the past two months to promote peace.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause remained unwavering.
Meanwhile, the conference awarded the titles of ‘Peace Leader’ and ‘Greatest Victorious General of the Century’ to Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in recognition of his role in promoting peace and strengthening stability across the Muslim Ummah.
The conference strongly condemned the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The conference also expressed concern over strikes targeting Arab countries, calling them detrimental to regional stability.
He called for national security, unity of the Muslim world and greater interfaith harmony.
Besides the CDF, prominent national and international figures received global honors at the conference in recognition of their contributions to peace, stability and unity in the Muslim world.
Prime Minister Shehbaz received a shield of appreciation for his strong and unequivocal stance on key international issues, particularly Palestine.
Additionally, Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, who was named “Global Personality of 2025” – received a special award for his contribution to defense cooperation with Pakistan, promoting unity in the Muslim world and promoting peace regionally and globally.
The conference also condemned the killing of a prominent religious scholar, Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai. He said acts of violence, extortion and lawlessness have no connection with Islam or Sharia law, and expressed solidarity with state institutions in maintaining public order.
The conference also noted that efforts should be made to strengthen coordination between religious scholars of Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
It was announced that the seventh International Paigham-i-Islam Conference would be held next year in March 2027, with invitations extended to religious leaders from around the world, including the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, the Grand Mufti of Palestine, the Sheikh of Al-Azhar and the Pope, with the aim of promoting cross-sectoral and interfaith harmony.
It was also announced that similar conferences would be organized under the aegis of the International Tazeem-i-Haramain Sharifain Council in different parts of the world.
