Latest news with #Mashair
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ministry advises 'strict adherence' to Saudi laws
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) on Monday advised Pakistani pilgrims to comply fully with Saudi regulations, particularly during Mashair days in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamarah. Issuing an advisory ahead of Hajj starting from 8th Zilhajj (June 4 – Wednesday), Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ataur Rehman emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Saudi authorities without argument. He cautioned Pakistani pilgrims that violating Saudi laws and engaging in prohibited activities could bring a bad name for the country, and stressed that individuals would be responsible for their own actions.
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
‘Ghar Se Ghar Tak': Pakistan Hajj pilgrims to be facilitated through designated administrators
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's government has introduced an ambitious plan for the first time through which a designated 'nazim' or administrator will assist a group of 188 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims during the peak days of the pilgrimage as they travel from Mina to Muzdalifah and back to Makkah, state-run media reported on Monday. 'Mashair days' is a term used to refer to the dates from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. These are the peak Hajj days when pilgrims from all parts of the world move between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and then return to Mina, performing religious rituals at sacred sites in Makkah. Pakistan's Coordinator Facilitation Makkah Sajjad Haider Yaldram said that as per the government's 'Ghar Se Ghar Tak' (Home to Home) plan, each nazim or Hajj administrator will assist a group of 188 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims throughout the Mashair days this year. 'The nazim will accompany the group from Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifah to Jamarah and back to Makkah,' Yaldram was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan. Each nazim will be assisted by two assistants, along with three personnel from the Saudi Tawafa company Al-Rajhi during these days. He said the Punjab Information Technology Board has also developed an online mobile application, 'Pak Moavin,' which enables real-time monitoring of all Hajj support staff personnel from their place of deployment. Speaking about the 'Pak Hajj 2025' app, he said it provides essential information, including the personal details of pilgrims, group information, building locations and other services. 'We have received great feedback from pilgrims about the app,' Yaldram said. 'It's a source of satisfaction and motivation for us. All the information is centralized, notifications are integrated, and maps help locate missing pilgrims.' This year, Hajj rituals will commence on June 4, with the Day of Arafah on June 5, and Eid Al-Adha to be observed on June 6 in Saudi Arabia.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Arab News
Pakistan says has introduced ‘historic' new facilities for Hajj pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: Director Hajj in Makkah, Azizullah Khan, said on Tuesday Pakistani pilgrims will this year enjoy 'historic facilities' in Mashair, sacred sites used during the Hajj pilgrimage, including fully air-conditioned camps in Mina with sofa-cum-beds, and improved accommodation in Makkah. Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has launched mobile apps like Nusuk, Hajj Navigator, Tawakkalna and Asefny to streamline services, with the aim to make the Hajj experience smoother by offering real-time guidance and ensuring pilgrim safety. For the first time, Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will have access to fully air-conditioned camps in Mina and be accommodated in top-of-the-line hotels and buildings in the Azizia and Batha Quraish neighborhoods. Pilgrims will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information. A mobile app will provide access to Hajj group information, training schedules, flight details, accommodation details, and live maps and locations during the pilgrimage. 'For the first time in history, Hujjaj will have sofa-cum-beds instead of mattresses while tents are upgraded with gypsum board walls and air coolers have been replaced with air conditioners,' Khan told Radio Pakistan, adding that elevated luggage storage racks had also been introduced to enhance comfort. 'Dedicated sections are overseeing food, health and transport related arrangements round the clock for maximum facilitation of the pilgrims,' he said, adding that 99 percent of pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia had received Nusuk cards. The cards are an essential Hajj permit, not just an ID, for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and the holy sites. It facilitates movement and ensures the well-being of Hajj pilgrims by managing logistics and administration. The card also allows pilgrims to access information about their Hajj mission, schedules, and allows for communication with their mission. Additionally, it enables receiving alerts, evaluating services, and filing observations. Compulsory Hajj training has been made available for all pilgrims in Pakistan, starting from Jan. 18, 2025, with details accessible through the 'Pak Hajj 2025 Mobile App.' For the government Hajj scheme, the option of three easy installments has been introduced for the first time. All Hajj-related financial transactions have also been digitized, ensuring transparency and accountability. Pakistan's Hajj medical mission includes a hospital each in Makkah and Madinah, along with two dispensaries in Madinah and nine in Makkah, all fully functional. A Monitoring Cell has been established to address potential issues faced by private pilgrims and provide support to them. Various specialized units, including a Wheelchair Desk, have been set up to cater to the needs of different groups of pilgrims.
