Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has hailed Pakistan’s strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, which are based on “exemplary historic religious and cultural ties”, the Inter-Services Public Relations reported.

The army chief was talking to Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid, who called on him at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi on Friday.

The Imam-e-Kaaba arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, he also met with interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and addressed the international conference on ‘Protection of Human Life in Shariah and Law’ at the Faisal Masjid Campus of International Islamic University.

In a statement, the army’s media wing said that matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

The COAS welcomed the dignitary and highlighted that visit by the Imam-e-Kaaba to Pakistan “is a matter of honour” for the people of Pakistan. The Muslims from all across the world have “boundless reverence” for Harmain Shraifain and profound respect for their custodian, he added.

Imam-e-Kaaba said: “Islam is a religion of peace & brotherhood and there is no space for misconstrued interpretations of Islam.”

The dignitaries condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the oppression of the Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir.

“Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strong strategic relations based on exemplary historic religious and cultural ties and unique reverence of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the hearts of the Pakistanis apart from the unanimity of views amongst the two brotherly countries,” the army chief said.

The Imam-e-Kaaba prayed for the peace, stability and unity of Ummah.