Latest news with #MinistryofReligiousAffairsandInterfaithHarmony
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.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pope Leo's oath-taking: Kohistani, Arora to represent Pakistan in Vatican City
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday said that Minister of State, Kheal Das Kohistani and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora would represent Pakistan at the oath-taking ceremony of Pope Leo, the newly elected spiritual leader of the global Catholic community. According to the Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, both ministers will participate in the ceremony scheduled to be held in Vatican City on May 18. Their visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to interfaith harmony and its respect for religious diversity. Pope Leo will become the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church, assuming leadership of more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Hajj flight operations resume, says religious affairs ministry
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday confirmed full restoration of Pakistan's airspace for all types of flights, enabling the resumption of Hajj operations according to schedule. In an exclusive talk with APP, the Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt informed that all Hajj flights will now depart for Saudi Arabia as per their original itinerary, following the temporary suspension of flight operations due to recent security concerns. 'Due to intermittent flight suspensions, a total of 10 Hajj flights were cancelled,' the spokesperson stated. These included three flights from Lahore, two from Islamabad, and one each from Karachi and Multan, he added. As a result of these cancellations, he said 2,290 pilgrims were affected; however, 1,277 pilgrims have already been accommodated and dispatched via special flights. Umar Butt said efforts are currently underway to ensure that the remaining 1,013 pilgrims are also flown to Saudi Arabia at the earliest through additional special flight arrangements. He said that a total of 19,669 Pakistani pilgrims have successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia so far under the Hajj Operation 2025. The spokesperson advised all pilgrims to remain in contact with their respective Haji Camps for the latest updates and flight information.
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Hajj 2025: flights face delays amid suspension of air operations
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Friday that 345 pilgrims who were left behind due to the cancelled flights amid tensions between Pakistan and India were sent today from Islamabad via a special PIA flight. In a statement, the ministry's spokesperson said that the schedule of 13 Hajj flights was affected between May 7 and 9. Due to the temporary suspension of flight operations, the schedules of 3,080 Hajj pilgrims were affected, the spokesperson stated. 'During these three days, 4 Hajj flights were cancelled and 9 were delayed,' the statement said. After India's unprovoked airstrikes inside Pakistan on May 7, flight operations were either suspended or temporarily delayed due to security concerns. On May 8, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that flight operations at Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot airports were temporarily suspended. Meanwhile, the religious ministry's spokesperson said that 540 pilgrims will also be sent from Islamabad and Lahore through special flights. During May 7 and May 9, 4 Hajj flights were cancelled and 9 were delayed, according to the ministry's spokesperson. 'Two Hajj flights each of Saudi Airlines from Islamabad and Lahore were cancelled.' Three flights from Lahore, two each from Islamabad and Quetta, and one each from Multan and Karachi experienced delays,' the spokesperson said.
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Ministry launches 24/7 hajj helpline for flight information
Listen to article The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has launched a 24/7 helpline to provide Hajj pilgrims with up-to-date flight information. The helpline, reachable at 051-9216980, will offer real-time updates and travel support to pilgrims. According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, the service will be available around the clock, divided into two shifts for uninterrupted assistance. The helpline, operating under the supervision of Director IT Jameel-ur-Rehman. Hafiz Majid will oversee the first shift and can be contacted directly at +92-332-4509868, Meanwhile Assistant Director Malik Asad will manage the second shift, with a contact number of +92-321-5365023. Pilgrims are also advised to maintain regular contact with their assigned Haji camps for further coordination and assistance during their journey.
