ISLAMABAD, Thursday, September 18, 2025 (WNP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday welcomed the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, describing it as a historic milestone for both nations and the wider Muslim world.

The minister extended congratulations to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the landmark accord, calling it ‘a moment of pride and joy for the people of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Ummah’.

Sardar Yousaf also congratulated Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces, adding that the pact symbolized the enduring brotherhood and unity between the two countries.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are like two shining stars of the Muslim Ummah – one soul in two bodies,” he said, adding that the agreement is a reflection of their unshakable bonds of fraternity.

The minister further said the defense pact is not only a symbol of bilateral solidarity but also a source of strength for the entire Muslim world. He underscored that protecting the Haramain Sharifain remains a matter of honor and pride for Pakistan.

“The agreement stands as a shining example of cooperation and brotherhood, and it will undoubtedly reinforce the collective security of the Muslim Ummah,” Sardar Yousaf added.

Meanwhile, the members of the National Ulema and Mashaikh Council warmly welcomed the signing of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, describing it as a ‘historic milestone’ in bilateral ties and a source of strength for the entire Muslim Ummah.

In a joint statement issued here, Council members including Qari Muhammad Hanif Jalandhri, Dr. Muhammad Raghib Naeemi, Maulana Yaseen Zafar, Qari Mehboob-ur-Rehman, and Professor Sajjad Qamar said the protection and reverence of the Haramain Sharifain are integral to the faith of Muslims worldwide.

They emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share deep-rooted historical and religious ties, and the landmark agreement further consolidates their relationship. The council extended felicitations to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, and the people of both countries.

“The defense pact will not only strengthen Pakistan–Saudi relations but also reinforce the unity of the Muslim Ummah,” the statement read, adding that both nations have always worked together for the empowerment of Muslims globally.

The scholars expressed hope that the agreement would also pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the religious sphere, including exchanges of scholars and students, enabling both nations to benefit from each other’s experience and knowledge in Islamic education.

They further said the accord has brought honor to Pakistan, crediting the country’s leadership and armed forces for achieving a new milestone in national and Islamic solidarity.