Latest news with #Hajj2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Cabinet approves Hajj policy 2026: govt-private quota set at 70:30
The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Wednesday approved the Hajj Policy 2026 with a focus on full digitization of Hajj operations and enhanced pilgrim facilitation. As per the new policy, Pakistan's total Hajj quota for 2026 will be distributed with 70% allocated to the government scheme and 30% to private Hajj operators, officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the cabinet. The prime minister lauded the digitization efforts, saying that ensuring seamless services for pilgrims remained a top priority. He directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to strictly implement the policy and ensure transparency and convenience for all intending pilgrims. Umrah or Hajj: Govt seeks CII's guidance on 'Mehram requirement' for female pilgrims Key features of the Hajj policy 2026 include: Full digitization of the Hajj process with real-time monitoring of applications, payments, and services. Third-party validation of both public and private Hajj operations. Minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per private operator to ensure accountability. 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases. Accommodation, meals, SIM cards, digital wristbands, and emergency compensation for all pilgrims. Upgrade of the Pak Hajj mobile application for training, complaints, and payment tracking. It was also disclosed that private companies responsible for mishandling Hajj 2025 arrangements will be required to accommodate affected pilgrims in 2026. The cabinet unanimously approved the policy and appreciated the efforts of relevant ministries and officials involved in its formulation. The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of IT to support the Ministry of Religious Affairs in ensuring complete digitization of Hajj operations
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Seven Pakistani pilgrims from same family killed in Saudi Arabia road accident
Seven Pakistani Umrah pilgrims, including four children, were killed in a tragic road accident while travelling from the Holy City of Makkah to Madinah, media reported on Saturday. All seven victims of the same family were hailing from the Buner district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. As per details, the victims including four children, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident, were residents of Dagai Khudokhel in Buner. Meanwhile, five others of the family were injured in the crash. According to family, the deceased victims had travelled to Saudi Arabia 11 days ago to perform Umrah. Moreover the funeral prayers of the slain family will be held in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs last month confirmed that 18 Pakistani pilgrims, including 10 men and eight women, died during the Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Sources from the ministry revealed that the majority of the deceased were elderly individuals, with heart attacks and other health issues as the primary causes of death. The ministry further stated that all deceased pilgrims were laid to rest in Jannatul Baqi. This year's death toll marks a significant decrease from 2024, when 35 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives during the hajj.
Leaders
06-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Earth to Experience Shortest Days in July, August 2025, Says Jeddah Astronomy Society
According to the Jeddah Astronomy Society, Earth is expected to experience some of its shortest days on record in July and August 2025, due to a slight increase in the planet's rotation speed. While this change is imperceptible in everyday life, it holds importance for technologies such as satellite navigation (GPS), communications systems, and astronomical observations. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Society, highlighted predictions from the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), which indicate that three of the shortest days in modern history will occur on July 9 (1.30 milliseconds shorter), July 22 (1.38 milliseconds shorter), and August 5 (1.51 milliseconds shorter) in 2025. Earth typically completes one full rotation every 24 hours, or 86,400 seconds. Since 2020, atomic clocks—highly accurate timekeeping devices—have detected subtle reductions in day length. The shortest day recorded so far was June 29, 2022, which was 1.59 milliseconds shorter than the average. Abu Zahra explained that these measurements are made by comparing data from atomic clocks with various time standards, enabling scientists to monitor tiny fluctuations in Earth's rotational speed. Potential causes for the acceleration include shifts in Earth's liquid core, redistribution of mass due to melting polar ice, rising sea levels, major earthquakes, and gravitational interactions with the Moon. Related Topics : Jeddah Astronomy: Saturn's Opposition to Sun Today The last giant full moon of 2022 to appear in the sky today Saudi Arabia & Arab world witness a rare astronomical phenomenon Hajj 2025: Registration for Pilgrims Housing in Madinah Commences on Sunday Short link : Post Views: 24
Business Recorder
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM, Saudi Crown Prince discuss Middle East situation, regional peace efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday, discussing regional developments and reaffirming bilateral ties. During what the Prime Minister's Office described as a 'warm and cordial' exchange, the Prime Minister extended greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also congratulated the Crown Prince on the successful completion of Hajj 2025 and thanked the Saudi leadership for its hospitality to Pakistani pilgrims. The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's deep appreciation for the Kingdom's 'steadfast support' during the recent standoff with India. He reiterated Islamabad's readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue with New Delhi on all core issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. Pakistan welcomes Iran-Israel ceasefire, urges adherence to UN charter for regional peace The two leaders also discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East. The Prime Minister voiced concern over the Iran-Israel conflict, calling for its immediate de-escalation and a peaceful resolution through diplomacy. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and the UN Charter, and reaffirmed Pakistan's 'unwavering support' for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Sharif lauded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's leadership and efforts for regional peace, describing the Kingdom as a 'peacemaker' and a leader of the Muslim world. The Crown Prince, in turn, thanked the Prime Minister for his call and Pakistan's solidarity. He acknowledged Islamabad's constructive role in supporting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering stability across the Middle East.
Leaders
19-06-2025
- Leaders
‘Ask Me' Service Assists over 1.2 Million Pilgrims during Hajj
More than 1.2 million pilgrims benefited from the 'Ask Me' spatial guidance service during the 1446 Hajj season. The service assisted pilgrims in navigating the Grand Mosque and locating key religious sites by offering clear directions and helping them identify both their current location and intended destination. Designed to help visitors navigate the Grand Mosque and locate key religious landmarks, the service offered direct routing assistance—allowing pilgrims to determine their current position and efficiently reach their desired destinations. In addition, an interactive multilingual digital map provided comprehensive spatial guidance, enabling pilgrims to easily find essential facilities within the Grand Mosque. These include guidance offices, wheelchair distribution points, lost and found services, lost pilgrim support centers, and health clinics. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Launches Global Quranic Enrichment Project During Hajj 2025 Hajj 2025: SDAIA Boosts Makkah Route Initiative with Technical Services Ivorian Hajj Pilgrims Applaud Makkah Route Initiative Makkah Route Initiative: Saudi Arabia Streamlines Luggage Handling for Pilgrims – Video Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
