Latest news with #MuhammadYousaf
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.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan minister reaffirms equal rights for minorities, condemns Gaza violence at Holi event
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's religious affairs minister reaffirmed the state's commitment to equal rights for religious minorities, according to an official statement on Wednesday, while condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza during a government-hosted Holi celebration in Islamabad. Speaking at the event organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that minorities in Pakistan enjoyed full constitutional freedoms and equal rights. He described Pakistan as a peaceful country where all citizens are entitled to benefit from protections guaranteed under the law. 'Religious minorities are enjoying equal rights and complete freedom,' the minister said while addressing the ceremony. 'They have clear representation in the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies.' The minister also highlighted state-backed welfare measures for minorities, including dedicated funds for the upkeep of religious sites, a five percent quota for minorities in public sector employment and reserved seats in educational institutions. Yousaf also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan's longstanding support for Palestinian rights. 'Pakistan has always raised its voice in support of the rights of the Palestinian people,' he said. In recent years, Pakistan has sought to promote religious inclusion and faith-based tourism, hosting Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from India and abroad, and welcoming visiting Buddhist monks. Despite these efforts, rights groups note that religious minorities in the country continue to face episodes of discrimination and violence. Also addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Keso Mal Kheel Das emphasized the role of minorities in Pakistan's development and prosperity. He voiced concern over what he described as the silence of international human rights organizations in the face of violence against Muslims in Gaza and Indian-administered Kashmir. The Holi celebration was also attended by prominent members of Pakistan's minority communities, including women and children.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistani pilgrims should collect documents, IDs, SIMs from Hajj camps: ministry
Listen to article The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised Hajj arrangements for this year, confirming that all Hajj camps across Pakistan are fully prepared to serve pilgrims. Under the supervision of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, a high-level meeting reviewed the services and facilities being provided at Hajj camps nationwide. During the briefing, attended by Secretary for Religious Affairs Syed Ataur Rehman and other senior officials, it was announced that pilgrims will be required to collect their airline tickets, visas, identification lockets, travel stickers, and mobile SIM cards from their respective Hajj camps two days before their scheduled flights. Vaccination schedules were also detailed in the meeting. Vaccination drives will begin on April 21 in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan. In Karachi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, vaccinations will commence from April 22, while Quetta will start its campaign from April 23. Pilgrims have also been advised to follow the schedule provided through the Pak Hajj mobile application to avoid unnecessary delays or confusion. Sardar Muhammad Yousaf reaffirmed that 'All Hajj camps are ready to serve the guests of Allah,' urging pilgrims to strictly adhere to the allocated timelines. The temporary Hajj camp in Rahim Yar Khan will operate from April 22 to April 24, officials confirmed. Pilgrims will also be provided with essential medicines and Hajj-related gifts at the camps. The ministry has reiterated that vaccination and document collection are mandatory steps before departure, and pilgrims must report to their assigned camps accordingly.
