Gilani performs Umrah, prays for solidarity, peace, prosperity of Pakistan
MAKKAH, Aug 7 (APP): Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani performed  Umrah late Sunday night and prayed for peace, solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan besides seeking Allah Almighty’s help in overcoming challenges facing the nation. He offered special nawafil and prayed for the well being of the people  of Pakistan and security of the country in the wake of serious threats from extremist and terrorist elements and sought His guidance to confront all difficulties. A large number of Pakistani faithfuls who were at the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah greeted the Prime Minister as he performed the seven obligatory tawaf.
Gilani kissed the Hajar Aswad - the revered black stone, considered to purify the soul and offered prayers in front of the Holy Kaaba.
He along with members of his entourage performed Saeye between the As-Safaa and Al-Marwah and concluded the Umrah by offering prayers.
The Prime Minister will pay his respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (Peace  be upon Him) in Madina late Monday night.
 Prime Minister Gilani who is here on a two-day official visit with a small entourage will be holding talks with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on Monday and discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
 Prime Minister Gilani’s delegation includes Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Senior Minister for Industries Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kausar and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
 Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Naeem Khan and senior officials accompanied the Prime Minister