Latest news with #MuhammadYousaf
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Hajj application process begins Aug 4
The government will start receiving applications for the official Hajj scheme from August 4, following the federal cabinet's approval of the Hajj Policy 2026. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the Saudi timeline. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators, subject to final confirmation by Saudi authorities. The government scheme will include both the traditional 38-42 day package and a shorter 20-25 day option. Estimated costs are expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on final agreements with service providers. Pilgrims will be required to deposit Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment — Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added. Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year. He said all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines. He said the 'Road to Makkah' initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. He said overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added. Minister Yousaf said private Hajj operators, including Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs), will be subject to strict financial safeguards and transparent digital oversight. He said these operators must enter service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and operate under real-time data monitoring to ensure transparency, prevent double bookings, and ensure timely services. He said a third-party audit system will evaluate the performance of both government and private Hajj schemes. The Punjab Information Technology Board will continue operational digital support, with the Ministry of IT overseeing supervision through NITB, he added. Minister Yousaf said further measures include the deployment of emergency response teams, the continuation of the "Hajj Guardian Scheme" to compensate pilgrims for losses, mandatory training on logistics, rituals, and emergency protocols, and a fully digitized complaint redressal mechanism. He said the 'Pak Hajj App' and helpline will assist pilgrims with updates and issue resolution throughout the Hajj process. The Hajj Policy 2026 will help ensure a transparent, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all Pakistani pilgrims through digitization, regulation, and improved service delivery mechanisms, he maintained. The Hajj Policy 2026 includes a 70% government quota and a 30% private sector quota. It was highlighted that, following issues with the private sector in the previous year, private companies will ensure the participation of pilgrims who missed the Hajj in 2025.
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.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minorities' contribution to defence hailed
Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf talking to media at the balloting of Hajj application. PHOTO: INP Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf expressed gratitude to the Sikhs and other minorities for their defence support. He visited the historic Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, where he met with members of the Sikh community. Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the recent success of the Pakistan army as a "battle for truth" and an achievement. Highl1ighting the importance of upcoming Sikh festivals in the month of June, the minister said that Pakistan was ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims from around the world.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
65,000 Pakistanis risk missing Hajj 2025
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf informed the Senate on Friday that Saudi Arabia had initially allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan this year, equally divided between government and private sectors. The minister explained that, as per Saudi government directives, all Hajj operators - public and private - were required to complete payments for accommodations, Tawafa services, and other expenses by February 14, 2025. Pilgrims registered through companies that met the deadline were successfully enrolled on the Saudi portal, while those linked to late-paying operators lost their quota. Sardar Yousuf clarified that this issue was not unique to Pakistan, as between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide faced similar challenges. However, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice, he personally intervened, requesting the Saudi authorities for an extension. As a result, the deadline was extended until February 21, allowing an additional 13,600 Pakistani pilgrims to complete their payments. Following persistent efforts, the Saudi government granted Pakistan an extra quota of 10,000 pilgrims. Since then, around 23,000 to 25,000 applicants have finalised their payments. So far, approximately 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims have been confirmed for Hajj this year. The minister assured that the government is actively negotiating on behalf of the remaining 65,000 applicants, and he has personally visited Saudi Arabia twice to follow up, in addition to sending formal appeals. He dismissed claims of delayed communication with private Hajj companies, stating that they were repeatedly reminded through official correspondence to comply with the Saudi-set deadlines. The minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to facilitating all eligible pilgrims, saying, "We are seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants."
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister vows Hajj 2025 will be exemplary
Highlighting the efforts of the Saudi government, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Sunday assured that this year's Hajj will be exemplary compared to previous years, thanks to comprehensive arrangements made by the Saudi government. Talking to Radio Pakistan, the minister praised the Saudi government's Hajj arrangements, describing them as a model of excellence. He highlighted the comprehensive measures put in place to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, showcasing the Saudi government's commitment to providing a seamless Hajj experience.
