Paigham-i-Islam Conference awards title of ‘Victorious Major General of the Century’ to CDF Asim Munir
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presents shields for the Saudi leadership to Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy at the sixth Paigham-e-Islam Conference. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan had emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region, and credited the country’s diplomatic efforts for facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference here, the prime minister said the meeting 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 successfully persuaded 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 11-12. He expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Pakistan’s invitation and agreeing to a ceasefire.
“This reflects the trust that the international community reposes in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country had performed an important service in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Also present on the occasion were Advisor to the President of Palestine 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 Interreligious Affairs, Harmon Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy.
The prime minister expressed optimism that Pakistan’s continued efforts would lead to sustainable 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 Türkiye, along with other friendly nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Forces 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 emphasized the importance of strong ties with Saudi Arabia, noting that bilateral relations had reached new heights, including in defense cooperation. He reiterated that protection of Harmain Sharifain remained a matter of faith for Pakistan.
Referring to the recent challenges, the Prime Minister said that the entire nation remains united, irrespective of sectarian differences, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace.
He urged religious scholars (Ulema) to play a proactive role in fostering unity and cohesion through their sermons, encouraging people to unite for national stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Palestine and Kashmir, he said the country will continue to support its people until they achieve independence. He also condemned elements involved in terrorism and efforts to divide the Muslim community.
The Prime Minister also distributed shields among renowned personalities in recognition of their outstanding services to the Muslim Ummah.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underlined Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, highlighting sustained diplomatic commitment towards de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, and emphasized 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.
DPM/FM paid tribute to Pakistan’s national resilience and determination, reflecting on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq”.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, peace, progress and prosperity remained central to Pakistan’s national vision.
Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said Pakistan had consistently raised the issue of Palestine in all international forums and had made sustained efforts over the past two months to promote peace.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause remains unwavering.
Meanwhile, the conference awarded the titles of “Peace Leader” and “Victorious Major 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 about attacks on Arab countries, calling them detrimental to regional stability.
He called for national security, unity of the Muslim world and greater interfaith harmony.
In addition to the CDF, the conference conferred global honors on prominent national and international figures in recognition of their contributions to peace, stability and unity in the Muslim world.
Prime Minister Shehbaz received a shield of gratitude for his firm and unequivocal stance on key international issues, particularly Palestine.
Additionally, Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, who has been named “Global Personality of 2025”, was honored with a special award for his contributions to defense cooperation with Pakistan, fostering unity in the Muslim world and promoting peace at regional and global levels.
The conference also condemned the murder of a prominent religious scholar, Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai. He declared that acts of violence, extortion and lawlessness have no connection with Islam or Sharia, and expressed solidarity with state institutions in maintaining law and order.
The conference also noted that efforts should be made to strengthen coordination between religious scholars in Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
It was announced that the Seventh International Paigham-i-Islam Conference will be held next year in March 2027, and invitations will be extended to world religious leaders, including the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, the Grand Mufti of Palestine, the Sheikh of Al-Azhar and the Pope, in a bid to promote harmony between sects and religions.
It was also announced that similar conferences will be held under the auspices of the International Tazeem-i-Haramain Sharifain Council in different parts of the world.
