Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Wednesday addressed the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, bringing together leading Ulema and Mashaikh, diplomats, politicians, academicians, and senior government officials.
Opening his address with verses from the Holy Quran and salutations upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Ambassador expressed honour in participating in a blessed gathering reflecting the true Islamic values of mercy, moderation, coexistence, unity, and peace.
He said the Muslim Ummah is currently facing serious challenges amid rising tensions and conflicts, stressing the urgent need to unite ranks, reject division, and promote a balanced and moderate Islamic narrative that represents the true message of Islam.
The Ambassador stated that the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is firmly rooted in promoting moderation, countering extremism in all forms, and strengthening dialogue among nations.
He said this role stems from the Kingdom’s Islamic responsibility as custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Qibla of Muslims worldwide.
He appreciated Pakistan’s role under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in promoting peace, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability.
Referring to global developments, he said the Palestinian cause remains at the top of Saudi Arabia’s priorities alongside other issues facing the Muslim world, urging collective efforts for just and lasting solutions.
Highlighting Islamic unity, the Ambassador said reverence for Makkah and Madinah remains the strongest bond of the Muslim Ummah, describing the Two Holy Mosques as its spiritual and ideological centre. He stressed the importance of protecting Islamic sanctities and called their service a shared responsibility of the Muslim world. He praised Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating millions of pilgrims with safety, security, and comfort.
On regional affairs, he supported a balanced Saudi-Pakistan stance rejecting aggression from any side. He condemned attacks on Iran attributed to the United States and Israel, while also rejecting unjustified Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Jordan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, calling them violations of sovereignty and threats to regional peace.
The Ambassador urged all parties to respect international law, avoid escalation, and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. He called on Iran to adopt a responsible regional role and refrain from hostile actions.
Emphasising the role of scholars, he said Ulema and Mashaikh carry a historic responsibility as heirs of the Prophets and leaders of the Muslim Ummah. He urged unity among religious scholars and stronger coordination with state institutions to ensure stability and cohesion.
Recalling Islamic history, he cited the martyrdom of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA) as a lesson on the dangers of division, warning that internal discord weakens nations and fuels instability. On Saudi-Pakistan relations, he described them as a deep-rooted strategic brotherhood based on shared faith, values, and destiny, noting expanding cooperation in political, military, economic, and defence sectors.
He said the recently signed joint strategic defence agreement reflects a shared vision to strengthen collective security and address regional challenges. In conclusion, Ambassador Al-Malki thanked the organisers for bringing together leading scholars and thinkers from across the Muslim world. He prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
Reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment, he said the Kingdom will continue to stand by Pakistan under all circumstances. “Pakistan-Saudi brotherhood long live. Pakistan Zindabad,” he concluded.