The minister told reporters at the Parliament House President General Pervez Musharraf is the first Pakistani leader who has been blessed with the honour of going to the roof of Khana Kaaba after performing Ummrah.
He said the doors of Baitullah were opened for the Pakistani leaders, who performed Umrah in the past, but President Musharraf is the only leader who has been bestowed with the opportunity of going to the roof of Khana Kaaba from the stairs inside.
Sheikh Rashid said this honour for the President is reflective of the deep respect that Khadime Harmain Sharifain King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz have for the Pakistani leaders.
Terming the visit a great success, the minister said the welcome accorded to the President signifies depth and warmth of relationship between the two countries.
The minister said the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali is strong and capable of dealing with all issues effectively. When asked about launching of anti-government movement by Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, Sheikh Rashid said: "There is a democratic government in the country. The MMA should keep in mind the prevailing international scenario before launching any movement".