PM Shehbaz, CDF Asim Munir share top spot among 500 most influential Muslims
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also included in the top position.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye leaders share top position
The rankings have been published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), a research organisation based in Amman, Jordan. The centre has been releasing its annual report, “The 500 Most Influential Muslims”, since 2009 to recognise people who have made important contributions to Muslim communities.
This is the first time the report has placed five individuals together at the top of its rankings. According to the publication, the decision recognises the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
“While this unified top spot features five individuals, it is actually divided into three shared entries that represent a massive shift in how Muslim nations are working together to protect one another. The main reason for this historic decision is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” the report stated.
It further explained, “This mutual-defence pact unites the immense wealth of Saudi Arabia, the advanced tech and manufacturing of Turkiye, and the powerful military strength of Pakistan into a collective alliance.
“Modelled on a ‘one for all, all for one’ approach to security, this pact has completely reshaped regional politics.”
Report highlights Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic role
The report also discussed Pakistan’s economic situation, security challenges and international relations over the past year. It noted that “over the past year, Pakistan has navigated an intricate set of economic stabilisation challenges, regional security pressures, and major-power diplomatic balancing acts”.
It also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic activities in the Middle East. According to the report, Islamabad engaged in “regional shuttle diplomacy” to support efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
However, Pakistan also faced economic pressure due to rising energy import costs and the need for emergency fuel conservation measures. These challenges remained part of the country’s broader economic and diplomatic situation.
Attaullah Tarar reacts to global recognition
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the development and shared his reaction on social media platform X. He described the recognition as an achievement for the country and its people.
“A moment of gratitude for every Pakistani,” Tarar wrote. He added, “From Marka-i-Haq to global diplomacy, they walked this journey together. This honour is a tribute to the sacrifices of our martyrs and the unity of our nation.”
Other influential Muslims included in the list
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is placed at number four, while Jordan’s King Abdullah II holds the fifth position. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is ranked sixth, followed by several other prominent international figures.
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan is ranked 12th, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Saeed El-Sisi holds the 22nd position. The list also includes religious scholars, political leaders and sports personalities.
Pakistani religious scholar Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani is ranked seventh, while Maulana Tariq Jamil holds the 32nd position. Egyptian-born footballer Mohamed Salah is ranked 39th.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is placed at number 45, followed by Syrian Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa at number 46. The rankings cover individuals from different fields, including politics, religion, diplomacy and sports.
The latest rankings highlight Pakistan’s presence in an international publication focused on influential Muslim personalities. The report has linked the shared top position of Pakistani, Saudi and Turkish leaders to their joint defence agreement.
It also draws attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic role and the challenges it faces in managing its economy and regional relations. However, the rankings reflect the research centre’s assessment and do not represent an official international award or government ranking.
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