3 weeks ago
Shehbaz Sharif Performs Umrah in Mecca With Asim Munir
Shehbaz Sharif is the leader of Pakistan, a country in Asia.
He went on a special trip to Saudi Arabia, another country that is a very close friend of Pakistan.
While he was there, he visited a very important holy place called the Grand Mosque in the city of Mecca.
He performed Umrah, a special religious visit that Muslims can make at any time of the year.
Many important Pakistani leaders traveled with him, including a top military general named Asim Munir.
Before the visit, the group entered the Holy Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building in the middle of the mosque, and prayed.
Sharif prayed for peace, safety, and good things for the people of Pakistan and for Muslims all around the world.
He was also planning to meet the leader of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, to talk about working together on trade, energy, and defense.
The two countries have been friends for a very long time, and this visit helps them stay strong partners.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif performed Umrah at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca alongside Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and a high-level delegation.
Before performing Umrah, the delegation entered the Holy Kaaba and offered prayers, then prayed for Pakistan's prosperity, the welfare of the Muslim world, and regional peace and stability.
Sharif was received on arrival by Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi.
He is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to discuss trade, investment, energy, defence, regional security and mutual cooperation.
The visit comes amid the widening West Asia conflict, which has spread to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with Pakistan's Foreign Office calling it another move to deepen the Islamabad-Riyadh relationship.
- Who
- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif and Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi
- What
- Performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and is set to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on bilateral cooperation
- Where
- Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia
- When
- Visit from Thursday, August 6 to Saturday, August 8, 2026; Umrah performed early Friday, August 7 (one report and the Prime Minister's Office post cite August 7, while another says Thursday, August 6)
- Why
- To deepen the strategic and economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia amid heightened Gulf tensions, and to pray for Pakistan's peace, stability and prosperity
Key facts
- Delegation leader
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- Ritual performed
- Umrah at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca, after entering the Holy Kaaba
- Visit dates
- August 6-8, 2026 (Umrah performed early Friday, August 7; one report cites Thursday, August 6)
- Key delegation members
- Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Attaullah Tarar, Tariq Fatemi
- Saudi host on arrival
- Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi
- Scheduled talks
- Meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
- Discussion topics
- Trade, investment, energy, defence, regional security and regional/global developments
- Bilateral context
- Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed last year now in effect; Saudi Arabia provided a USD 3 billion deposit loan and extended a USD 5 billion facility during 2025/26
Quotes
Pakistan Foreign Office
Official spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“Although taking place amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, the visit carries significance beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations. It will further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation, enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest and also reinforce multilateral cooperation.”
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“During the visit, the prime minister will meet Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions would focus on consolidating the Pakistan‑Saudi bilateral relationship and exchange views on areas of regional and international developments of mutual interests.”
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