ISLAMABAD - The 6th International "Message of Islam" Conference (Paigham-i-Islam Conference) concluded its proceedings in the federal capital on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by conferring the prestigious "Global Peace Leader" award upon Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud . The high-profile gathering praised the Crown Prince for his exceptional contributions to the Muslim Ummah, his efforts in combating extremism, and his role in fostering global stability .
Organized by the International Tazeem-i-Haramain Sharifain Council and the Pakistan Ulema Council, the conference was attended by high-ranking civil and military leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and international dignitaries such as the Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki and the Grand Mufti of Palestine .
The "Global Peace Leader" award was presented to the Crown Prince in acknowledgment of his "efforts and services to Islam, Muslims, the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims and Umrah performers, defense of the causes of the Arab and Islamic nation, fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, and promotion of global security, stability and peace" . The award was received on his behalf by the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki . The event organizers also declared the Crown Prince the "Global Personality of 2025," specifically praising his role in strengthening defense cooperation with Pakistan and promoting unity within the Muslim world .
Speakers at the conference highlighted the strategic depth of the Saudi-Pakistani partnership, particularly in light of joint efforts to enhance defense cooperation through the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. The "Message of Islam" Conference has historically served as a platform to showcase the fraternal ties between the two nations. A previous edition of the conference in 2019 had similarly honored Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a "Global Influential Figure" for his support of Islamic causes and aid to the Pakistani government .
While the international spotlight was on the Saudi Crown Prince, the "Message of Islam" Conference also paid rich tribute to Pakistan's military and political leadership for their roles in securing regional stability.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was conferred the dual titles of "Leader of Peace" and "Greatest Victorious General of the Century" . The organizers acknowledged his "efforts for peace and stability across the Muslim Ummah," particularly following the May 2025 conflict, where Pakistan's successful defense operations under his command thwarted Indian aggression while demonstrating Islamabad's capacity as a responsible military power .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a shield of appreciation for what the conference described as his "clear and firm position on major international issues, especially Palestine" and for steering the nation through diplomatic challenges .
The timing of the award is particularly symbolic as it follows Pakistan's successful mediation of the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, a diplomatic effort that involved close consultations between Islamabad and Riyadh. By honoring the Crown Prince, Pakistan is signaling a unified stance on key issues facing the Muslim world, including the conflicts in Gaza and the broader Middle East .
Palestinian Grand Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein was also in attendance, and the conference issued a firm condemnation of the ongoing attacks on Palestinians, further solidifying the shared stance of the two nations on the issue. The gathering also denounced the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran as harmful to regional stability. The next iteration of the Paigham-i-Islam Conference is scheduled to be held in March 2027 .
