Qasmi urges stronger Pakistan-Saudi cooperation ahead of National Day

FAISALABAD: Ulema Council Pakistan (UCP) Chairman Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi has called for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their relationship through expanded cooperation in defence, trade, investment, skilled manpower and diplomacy, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Monday.

Qasmi made the remarks in a message issued on Monday, a day before Saudi National Day, which is observed on September 23. He said Muslim countries should resolve their differences through dialogue, moderation and mutual respect, and should work together for peace and stability.

In the message, released from Faisalabad, the UCP chairman listed five areas where he believes Islamabad and Riyadh can deepen their partnership: defence, trade, investment, skilled manpower and diplomacy. He did not announce any new agreement, but his call came as Saudi Arabia prepared to mark its national day.

The cleric emphasised that the Muslim world needs to move away from confrontation and instead use dialogue and moderation to settle disputes. He added that mutual respect and collective efforts were necessary for achieving peace and stability.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close diplomatic, economic and military ties. Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Pakistani workers and a key source of remittances for Pakistan. The two countries have cooperated in areas such as defence, investment and energy.

Saudi National Day commemorates the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is marked every year on September 23. Pakistani political and religious leaders often use the occasion to reaffirm Islamabad's ties with Riyadh.

The Ulema Council Pakistan is a prominent religious body in Pakistan, and its chairman's statements on foreign relations often draw attention. APP did not provide further details from Qasmi's message beyond his call for expanded cooperation and his remarks on unity among Muslim countries.