JEDDAH, 26 July 2004 — Pakistan’s Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain called on Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday and discussed bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Pakistani premier conveyed his best wishes to the king and discussed challenges facing the Ummah.
Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Kashmir as well as bilateral trade and investment figured in the talks between Crown Prince Abdullah and Shujaat.
The crown prince acknowledged the excellent relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and said the two countries could together play an important role for peace and stability in the Muslim world.
Shujaat also met with Interior Minister Prince Naif and discussed a wide range of issues including the amnesty offered by King Fahd to the terrorists to surrender. The monthlong amnesty expired on July 22. They discussed war on terrorism and the efforts the two countries are making to dismantle terror groups.
The Pakistani prime minister appreciated the Kingdom’s role in fighting terrorism and pledged his country’s full support in the fight.
Shujaat briefed Naif on the anti-terrorism drive in Wana, South Waziristan, and steps taken to dismantle terror groups. They also discussed bilateral issues, including security cooperation.
The Pakistani prime minister, who arrived here on Thursday, left for Lahore last night. During his stay here, he performed Umrah and visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Meanwhile, Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq, who accompanied the prime minister, told reporters yesterday that the date for submitting applications for Haj had been extended to Aug. 10. He said the date was extended in view of the delay in the issuance of some passports.
Some pilgrims had demanded that their children be allowed to accompany them because they faced problems back home. The government has allowed children to accompany their parents and so far 500 applications have been received.
He said the Pakistan House in Makkah would be shifted to a new building that is closer to Haram and has the capacity to accommodate more pilgrims. The minister said a PIA sub-office will be opened in Makkah for the convenience of the pilgrims.
