Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have jointly secured the top position in the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500, an annual publication recognising the world’s most influential Muslim personalities.
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The two Pakistani leaders share the joint No. 1 recognition with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The annual publication is compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), a research institution based in Amman, Jordan. Its 2027 edition marks the first time five individuals representing three leadership groupings have been recognised at the top.
Makkah defence agreement behind joint recognition
The publication has linked the joint recognition to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026.
The agreement establishes a framework for collective defence cooperation among the three countries, with an armed attack against one member treated as an attack against all.
According to the report, the agreement brings together Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, Türkiye’s defence technology and manufacturing capabilities, and Pakistan’s military strength.
It describes the agreement as a significant development in regional cooperation and collective security.
Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic role highlighted
The report highlights Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in facilitating the agreement and Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement during regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
It describes Pakistan as an important diplomatic channel during the crisis and credits the prime minister with pursuing efforts to reduce tensions and encourage a peaceful resolution.
The publication also discusses the government’s economic policies and efforts to address Pakistan’s financial challenges.
Asim Munir’s military and regional role
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s profile focuses on his position as Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, as well as his influence in military and regional security affairs.
The report highlights his role in strengthening defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye under the Makkah agreement.
It also discusses his involvement in regional security developments and Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement during international tensions.
Other Pakistani personalities in the Top 50
Pakistan’s representation in the 2027 edition also includes prominent religious scholars and other influential personalities.
Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani has been ranked seventh, while Maulana Tariq Jamil has secured the 32nd position.
Maulana Nazar-ur-Rehman, associated with the Tablighi Jamaat, and Dawat-e-Islami founder Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri have also been included in the Top 50.
Published annually, The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims recognises individuals whose influence extends across religious, political, economic, academic, social and cultural fields.
The publication features 500 influential Muslim personalities, with its leading 50 receiving individual rankings or shared positions. Other personalities are included in different categories covering areas such as religious scholarship, politics, business, science, media, arts and sports.
The 2027 edition highlights the growing strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, placing the three countries’ leadership at the centre of its joint top recognition.
