PM Shehbaz, CDF Asim Munir named among world’s most influential Muslims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have been recognised among the world’s 500 most influential Muslim personalities in the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500, highlighting the international standing of Pakistan’s political and military leadership.

According to the website Islam on Web, The Muslim 500 has jointly placed the Pakistani leadership alongside Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the top of its list.

Published by Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), the 2027 edition marks the 18th annual release of the publication.

For the first time, five world leaders have been featured jointly at the top in a special section titled ‘Joint Number One’.

The publication has highlighted the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in the context of their growing defence and strategic cooperation.

Particular attention has been given to the Makkah Defence Agreement, which outlines opportunities for strengthening defence cooperation among the three countries.

In its special feature, the publication identifies the military capabilities, financial resources and defence technologies of the three countries.

The publication acknowledges Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political role and the government’s efforts in facilitating the agreement.

It also highlighted Field Marshal Asim Munir’s role in defence cooperation.