LAHORE: Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Adviser to the Prime Minister, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has called on Islamic countries to adopt a joint strategy for promoting tourism, saying closer cooperation could significantly strengthen the economies of the Muslim world.
Speaking at the inauguration of the International Islamic Tourism Exhibition held at a private hotel in Lahore on Thursday, Ashrafi said Pakistan’s improving security situation has created vast opportunities for the growth of the tourism sector, with religious tourism remaining one of the government’s key priorities.
He noted that leading tourism companies from Saudi Arabia are participating in the exhibition, describing their presence as an important step toward expanding tourism cooperation between Pakistan and the wider Islamic world.
Pakistan’s Religious Tourism Potential
Ashrafi highlighted Pakistan’s unique importance as a destination for religious tourism, stating that thousands of pilgrims from the Sikh, Hindu, and other faith communities visit the country every year to explore its sacred religious sites.
He also praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the significant improvements made to Hajj and Umrah services under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, describing the enhanced facilities and management as highly commendable.
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Call for Greater Cooperation Among Muslim Countries
Emphasizing the strong relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Ashrafi said the two countries share deep bonds based on faith, mutual trust, and longstanding friendship, which continue to grow stronger over time.
He suggested that if 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, and the Gulf countries—develop a coordinated tourism strategy, the Islamic world could achieve greater economic stability and sustainable growth.
Ashrafi further stressed that unity and cooperation remain essential for addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world.
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Support for Dialogue and Regional Peace
Commenting on international affairs, Ashrafi said global disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, including the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
He urged all parties to pursue negotiations in the interest of international peace and stability.
Ashrafi also reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s security remains important to Pakistan and emphasized that respecting bilateral agreements serves the broader cause of regional and global peace.
Saudi Participation in Tourism Expo
Speaking at the event, exhibition organizer Abdullah said 42 Saudi tourism companies are participating in the International Islamic Tourism Exhibition, which is expected to promote tourism, travel services, and business partnerships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Following the ceremony, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi officially inaugurated the exhibition and toured various exhibition stalls.
