Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir have jointly secured the first position in the 2027 edition of the annual list of the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims.
They share the top position with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The list of influential Muslim leaders is published by Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. In its 18th annual edition, five global leaders have been ranked jointly at the top for the first time.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been included for his role in Pakistan’s political leadership, while Field Marshal Asim Munir has been recognised for his military leadership.
Their joint top ranking is being seen as a significant international recognition for Pakistan.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is ranked fourth, followed by Jordan’s King Abdullah II at fifth and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at sixth.
Prominent Pakistani religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani has also been included in the list, securing the seventh position.
The list considers political leadership, religious services, economic influence, social contributions and the ability to bring change across the Muslim world.
Field Marshal Asim Munir vows security and long-term investment opportunities
Addressing participants at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, Field Marshal Asim Munir said the government was taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of mines, miners, investors, industries, projects and everyone working in the sector.
He said developing Pakistan’s mineral resources was a shared national goal. He stressed that the country should move beyond exporting raw materials and focus on building a complete industry, including refining and manufacturing.
The Field Marshal said Pakistan wanted to build long-term partnerships that would bring lasting economic benefits to both the country and its international partners.
He also stressed that the benefits of mineral development should reach local communities, especially those living in resource-rich areas, and improve their quality of life.
