The deep-rooted and time-tested Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship was once again reflected in moments of grief, as Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of the mother of Saudi Prince Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Pakistani leadership extended solidarity to the Saudi royal family, emphasizing the close fraternal ties between the two nations that go beyond politics and economics, deeply rooted in faith, culture, and shared history.
The Condolence Message of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif
In a formal statement issued from Islamabad, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to Prince Fahd bin Muqrin and the entire Saudi royal family.
The Prime Minister prayed for:
- The elevation of the departed soul’s rank in the hereafter
- Strength and patience for the grieving family during this difficult time
Shahbaz Sharif’s message was not only an expression of personal grief but also a diplomatic gesture reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in moments of sorrow.
He highlighted the fact that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by bonds of brotherhood, Islamic values, and strategic cooperation. He assured the royal family that Pakistan stands with them in this moment of loss.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Expression of Sympathy
Alongside the Prime Minister, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed condolences on the demise of Prince Fahd bin Muqrin’s mother.
In her statement, she prayed for the departed soul and extended sympathies to the bereaved family. She echoed the sentiments of unity and brotherhood between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that loss in one family is felt by the other due to the special nature of bilateral relations.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the Pakistani people share the grief of the Saudi royal family, reflecting the deep cultural and religious ties that unite both nations.
Announcement by the Saudi Royal Court
The news of the passing was officially confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court. A statement issued on behalf of the royal family announced the death of the mother of Prince Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
In Saudi Arabia, such announcements are made formally by the royal court, informing both domestic and international audiences about the loss within the royal family. The announcement was met with widespread messages of sympathy from leaders across the Muslim world, including Pakistan.
Background on Prince Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Prince Fahd bin Muqrin is a member of the House of Saud, the ruling family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is the son of Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who served as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for a brief period in 2015 before stepping down.
The royal family of Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role not only in the governance of the kingdom but also in maintaining its global Islamic influence as custodians of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The passing of any royal family member, especially close relatives, is a matter of great significance in Saudi society. It is met with condolences and expressions of solidarity from across the Muslim world.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations: A Fraternal Bond
The condolence messages from Pakistan’s leadership should be viewed in the broader context of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, which are among the closest bilateral ties in the Muslim world.
1. Religious Bonds
Both nations share the Islamic faith and a spiritual connection to Makkah and Madinah, the holiest cities in Islam. Millions of Pakistanis travel annually to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, strengthening people-to-people ties.
2. Economic Cooperation
Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, who contribute significantly to both the Saudi economy and Pakistan’s economy through remittances. Riyadh has also been a key partner in Pakistan’s development, extending financial aid, oil assistance, and investment.
3. Strategic and Defense Ties
The two countries enjoy deep defense cooperation, including joint training exercises, exchange of expertise, and coordination in counter-terrorism. Pakistan has historically provided military advisors to the Kingdom, and the Pakistan Army has a respected presence in Saudi Arabia.
4. Political and Diplomatic Solidarity
At the diplomatic level, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan on critical issues, including the Kashmir dispute, while Pakistan has stood by Saudi Arabia in matters concerning regional stability and security.
Thus, expressions of condolences from Pakistani leadership are not merely ceremonial but reflect the unique closeness between the two nations.
Islamic Tradition of Condolence
In Islamic tradition, the expression of condolences, or ta’ziyah, carries immense importance. When a Muslim passes away, fellow Muslims are encouraged to console the family, pray for the deceased, and ask Allah for patience and strength for the bereaved.
The prayers offered by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz — seeking the elevation of the deceased’s rank in the hereafter and patience for the family — align with the Islamic customs of compassion and empathy.
Reactions in Pakistan
News of the passing and the Pakistani leadership’s condolences was reported widely in local media. Analysts highlighted that the statements were not only diplomatic but also sincere reflections of Pakistan’s respect for Saudi Arabia.
On social media, hashtags such as #PakSaudiBrotherhood and #Condolences circulated as ordinary Pakistanis also shared messages of sympathy for the Saudi royal family.
Global Expressions of Sympathy
The passing of a royal family member in Saudi Arabia often draws condolences from across the Muslim world. Leaders from various countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, also extended condolences.
Pakistan’s expression of solidarity carries additional weight due to the special historical bond that goes beyond typical diplomatic relations.
Importance of Such Gestures in Diplomacy
Condolence messages by heads of government, though symbolic, play a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties. They reflect sensitivity, respect, and the recognition of shared values.
In the case of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, such gestures reaffirm the sense of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim Ummah. It assures the Saudi leadership that Pakistan shares not only in moments of celebration but also in grief.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
While this incident revolves around condolences, it also highlights the continuing closeness of Pakistan-Saudi ties. In recent years, both nations have worked on strengthening cooperation in areas such as:
- Expansion of Saudi investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors
- Collaboration in Islamic forums like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Enhanced security cooperation against terrorism and extremism
- Joint initiatives to ensure regional peace and stability
This fraternal relationship ensures that even during personal losses within the royal family, Pakistan’s leadership expresses heartfelt solidarity.
Conclusion
The condolences expressed by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the passing of the mother of Saudi Prince Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud are a testament to the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
By offering prayers for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family, the Pakistani leadership once again reaffirmed the enduring solidarity between the two nations.
This moment of grief has reminded both sides of the human and spiritual bonds that underpin their diplomatic and strategic relationship. As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to stand by each other in times of joy and sorrow, their partnership remains one of the most significant alliances in the Muslim world — built on faith, mutual respect, and an unshakable sense of brotherhood.
