JEDDAH, 19 March 2006 — Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adm. (retd.) Shahid Karimullah will meet today professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), to discuss the issue of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) cartoons.
Both the leaders are also expected to discuss other important issues including India-Pakistan dialogue, confidence-building measures and the Kashmir dispute.
Talking to reporters here Karimullah praised the fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and said, “He will tirelessly work to take this relationship to a new height.”
He said Saudi Arabia’s entry to WTO will also give Pakistan an opportunity to increase the volume of its trade with the Kingdom. The ambassador said, “We would also assist in the recruitment of skilled professionals and educationists to cater to the growing needs of the Kingdom.”
Proper selection of professionals will enhance the image of Pakistani workers in the Kingdom, he said. The ambassador said that Pakistanis should not indulge in any political activities in the Kingdom.
“Here we should live like Pakistanis only, not as members of any party or group, and encourage only those activities which will boost our country’s image and should shun all political activities,” Karimullah said.
He said that he would seek approval from the government of Pakistan for increasing the budget for more manpower in the Pakistani Consulate to extend better and prompt services to Pakistanis.
The ambassador also said that there was an urgent need to move the consulate to a new and better-equipped building.
Earlier, Consul General Massod Akhtar, Head of Chancery Zaighamuddin Azam and other officials welcomed the ambassador at the consulate.
The ambassador also met with community members.
