Islamabad: In a significant session today, the National Assembly of Pakistan welcomed Imam Masjid Al-Nabawi, Dr. Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the Parliament House in Islamabad. The session, presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also celebrated Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, reflecting a momentous day of pride and spiritual reflection for the nation.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the session opened with Quranic verses recited by Dr. Al-Budair, with Speaker Sadiq and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malki in attendance. The presence of such a revered religious figure was hailed as a significant honor, with Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressing their reverence and welcoming the Imam.
The assembly’s atmosphere was charged with applause as Speaker Sadiq commended Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem for his exemplary achievement in javelin throw, marking a significant victory for Pakistan after three decades. The sports achievement intertwined with the spiritual celebration, highlighting the session’s dual focus on national pride and religious reverence.
Discussions extended to the broader implications of such achievements and visits, with leaders across party lines emphasizing the need for fostering sports and strengthening Pakistan-Saudi relations. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub praised the Saudi government’s efforts in managing religious sites, while Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI-F highlighted the strengthening bonds between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The session concluded with the unanimous passage of a resolution to award Arshad Nadeem the highest civil honor, underscoring a national commitment to promoting sports and recognizing outstanding achievements.
The House has now been prorogued, marking an end to a session that not only celebrated significant achievements but also reinforced the deep-seated bonds between Pakistan and the Islamic world.