PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir named among world’s most influential Muslims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir have been named among five leaders sharing the top position in the 2027 edition of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims, according to an annual publication compiled by a Jordan-based research centre.

The two Pakistani leaders share the distinction with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The 2027 edition of “The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims”, published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC) in Amman, Jordan, marks the first time the publication has featured multiple names in its special joint No. 1 recognition.

The publication attributes the recognition to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7, 2026, describing it as a significant development in collective security cooperation among the three countries.

Defence pact behind joint recognition

In a special section titled “Joint No. 1”, the publication says the agreement brings together Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, Turkiye’s technological and manufacturing capabilities, and Pakistan’s military strength in a collective alliance.

The pact follows a “one for all, all for one” approach, stipulating that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all.

The agreement was signed at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah during a summit attended by Saudi Crown Prince MBS, Turkish President Erdogan and PM Shehbaz. It aims to strengthen collective deterrence and expand defence cooperation among the three countries.

In its profile of PM Shehbaz, the report highlights his administration’s role in approving the political frameworks needed to bring Pakistan into the agreement.

It describes Field Marshal Munir as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Arm Staff, saying he directs the military capabilities underpinning the alliance, including troop deployment, air defence systems and strategic infrastructure.

Other Pakistani personalities

Besides PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, four other Pakistanis have secured places in the publication’s Top 50.

Religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani is ranked seventh, while preacher Maulana Tariq Jamil occupies 32nd position. Maulana Nazar-ur-Rehman, associated with the Tablighi Jamaat, is placed 41st, and Dawat-e-Islami founder Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri is ranked 44th.

Former PM Imran Khan is included among the publication’s honourable mentions in the politics category.

The annual publication assesses the influence of Muslim personalities across political, religious, economic, social and cultural fields. Its Top 50 figures are individually ranked, while the remaining 450 personalities are listed under different categories without individual rankings.

These categories include religious scholars, political figures, preachers, philanthropists, social activists, business leaders, scientists, artists, media personalities and sports figures.

The 2027 edition also features special coverage of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, along with reviews of major developments across the Muslim world, population statistics, obituaries and contributions from guest writers.