LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan onTuesday after his six-day visit.

Later addressing media at the inauguration of a kidney centre, Shehbaz saidthat he went to Saudi Arabia after being invited for Umrah, in response toincreasing criticism by opposition parties on Sharif brothers’ multipleSaudi visits.

“Saudi Arabia is among the best friends of Pakistan. It has helped Pakistanwithout any conditions and has been there in times of difficulty. Bothcountries have blind faith in each other,” he said.

Shehbaz added that there is nothing unusual about his impromptu visit toSaudi Arabia.

Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the crown prince twice in last 24 hours.

Matters of mutual interests were discussed by both the leaders. Shehbazappreciated the role Saudi Arabia played in the ongoing Palestine issue,sources added.

Meanwhile, Punjab government spokesperson Mohammad Ahmed Khan condemned theallegations levelled against Shehbaz on his visit to Saudi Arabia, sayingthe statements being spread were baseless.