Latest news with #HajjMission
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan vows to continue teamwork, coordination with Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Hajj mission met a high-level Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah delegation on Monday to discuss the successful completion of this year's pilgrimage, the Pakistani religion ministry said, vowing to continue the same spirit of teamwork and service for Hajj 2026. This year's Hajj pilgrimage took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of worshippers to Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan sent more than 115,000 pilgrims under both government and private schemes. Pakistan's religion ministry said earlier this month that it is finalizing preparations to launch early registration for both private and government Hajj 2026 schemes to streamline the pilgrimage process. The Saudi delegation visited the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah to convey their thanks and congratulations on the successful completion of Hajj 2025, Pakistan's religion ministry said in a statement. The delegation commended the exceptional arrangements and services provided to Pakistani pilgrims, it added. The visiting delegation included Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, Eyad bin Ahmed Rahbini, assistant deputy minister for Hajj operations and Dr. Badr Muhammad Al-Solami, the director general of Hajj affairs. 'During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continuing the same spirit of service, coordination and teamwork for Hajj 2026, with a shared commitment to enhancing facilities for pilgrims,' Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said. MoRA said Dr. Mashat praised the Pakistan Hajj Mission for its professional capabilities, sincere efforts and the arrangements it had undertaken for pilgrims. He described the initiatives taken for the service of Pakistani pilgrims as 'exemplary and worthy of appreciation.' Pakistan's Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro appreciated the Saudi delegation's visit. He highlighted the Saudi Hajj ministry's guidance and cooperation in the smooth execution of Hajj operations, the religion ministry said. Soomro presented a commemorative shield to the Saudi delegation as a token of gratitude and goodwill at the end of the meeting, MoRA said. 'The gesture symbolized not only appreciation for their visit but also the hope for continued bilateral cooperation in future Hajj endeavors,' the religion ministry said. Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operations on June 11 with the arrival of a Pakistan International Airlines flight, PK-732, in Islamabad carrying 307 pilgrims. The flights are expected to conclude by July 10.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Post-Hajj opto conclude on July 10
'The post-Hajj operation will commence from Saturday till October 16,' a PIA official said. PHOTO: REUTERS Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Monday praised Pakistan's Hajj Mission for its exemplary arrangements for pilgrims during Hajj 2025 and announced that the post-Hajj operation will conclude on July 10. Talking to media persons after visiting various sections of the Pakistan Hajj Mission, the minister said that following the successful completion of the pre-Hajj operation, the second phase has commenced and is scheduled to end on July 10. He said over 11,000 Hujjaj, including around 3,000 from Madinah, have returned to Pakistan so far. Preparations for Hajj 2026 have also been initiated, as the Saudi Hajj policy and timeline for next year have been received, allowing for timely and efficient planning, he added.
Daily Tribune
11-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
HM King checks on Bahraini pilgrims' wellbeing
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a telephone call with Shaikh Adnan bin Abdullah Al Qattan, Head of Bahrain's Hajj Mission. HM the King inquired about the wellbeing of Bahraini pilgrims following the completion of their Hajj rituals and commended the efforts of the Bahraini Hajj Mission in providing seamless services and support to ensure the pilgrims could perform their rites with ease and reassurance. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the extensive efforts and facilities made available to serve the pilgrims in the holy sites. Shaikh Al Qattan thanked HM King Hamad for his guidance and for his continued support for the comfort and welfare of Bahraini pilgrims. He lauded His Majesty's ongoing support for the mission's work in serving pilgrims from the Kingdom.
Arab News
10-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Pakistan hails 2025 Hajj as ‘historic' after winning Saudi award for best services
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Wednesday described the 2025 Hajj as 'historic compared to previous years' for Pakistani pilgrims, citing improved services, enhanced facilities and formal recognition from Saudi authorities for the country's pilgrimage management. Addressing a post-Hajj press conference in Makkah, the minister said Pakistan's Hajj Mission had received an Excellence Award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, ranking first among the seven missions honored this year, in recognition of its services to over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims. 'The 2025 Hajj was historic compared to previous years, and Pakistani pilgrims were provided exceptional services and facilities,' Yousaf said. 'This award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is a matter of pride for Pakistan.' Saudi Arabia hosted over 88,000 government-sponsored Pakistani pilgrims this year, he said, noting that for the first time, air-conditioned tents, gypsum board partitions, sofa-cum-beds and overhead shelves were introduced in Mina. Facilities at Arafat also included enhanced air-conditioning, shaded walkways and grassy areas. Yousaf said pilgrims in the lowest payment category were offered services typically reserved for higher-tier packages. He maintained the Hajj package for government-sponsored pilgrims remained more affordable than those offered in neighboring countries, while offering superior services. In Madinah, all Pakistani pilgrims were housed in three- and five-star hotels near the Prophet's Mosque and given the opportunity to visit Riyaz-ul-Jannah. To improve coordination, Pakistan introduced a 'Nazim Scheme' for the first time, assigning a group leader to every 188 pilgrims. More than 400 medical professionals were also deployed to ensure health care services for pilgrims. Yousaf appreciated the Pakistani pilgrims for their cooperation and adherence to Saudi guidelines during the pilgrimage.
Arab News
10-06-2025
- Arab News
Pakistan Hajj Mission awarded for excellence as Saudi Arabia unveils 2026 pilgrimage policy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Hajj Mission received an 'Excellence Award' during a ceremony at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to mark the completion of this year's pilgrimage, officials said on Monday, as Riyadh unveiled a new policy and timeline for Hajj 2026. The recognition came at the close of the 2025 Hajj, which took place from June 4 to June 9 and drew millions of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah Pakistan was among several countries managing large-scale contingents during the annual religious gathering. 'The Excellence Award is a recognition of the outstanding performance by our administrative staff, Hajj assistants and group leaders, as well as the continued support of the government,' said Director General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, who received the award on behalf of the Pakistan Hajj Mission, according to an official statement. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Religious Affairs Secretary Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, and Director of Hajj in Makkah Azizullah Khan were present at the ceremony, held in Makkah. According to Soomro, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat also shared the timeline and policy framework for the 2026 pilgrimage season. 'The early release of the Hajj 2026 policy right after this year's pilgrimage is meant to ensure timely preparations,' he said. Soomro added under the new guidelines, registration of Hajj operator profiles on the Masar platform would begin from 1st Muharram 1447 Hijri, the beginning of the new Islamic year, allowing companies and national missions to begin logistical planning well in advance. Saudi Arabia hosts the annual Hajj under an international quota system and collaborates closely with national authorities from Muslim-majority countries to organize travel, accommodation and safety for pilgrims. Pakistan, with one of the world's largest Hajj contingents, has traditionally relied on government and private-sector coordination to manage the pilgrimage process.
