Latest news with #MuhammadYousuf
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'Private Hajj quota' lost due to negligence
Listen to article The religious affairs minister on Friday confirmed that this year, only 25,698 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj under the private Hajj scheme, as the quota was not utilised properly due to negligence and delays in completing the necessary procedures on time. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside the secretary of the ministry of religious affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said the Hajj policy was approved in November 2024 while he took charge of the ministry in March, 2025. He said according to Pakistan's Hajj policy, the total quota of 179,210 pilgrims was divided equally between the government and private schemes. "The arrangements for the government scheme were fully handled by the ministry and in accordance with Saudi directives, the entire government quota was utilised within the deadline, payments were completed, and approvals obtained. "However, the private sector, which includes NGOs and clusters of tour operators, failed to comply with the instructions. They know the reasons for this failure. They were equally informed and involved in coordination with the Saudi authorities and the ministry," he said. He said the operators missed the deadline and sought to continue operating under old companies, which was against Saudi regulations. "Under the new rules, only those companies with a minimum cluster of 500 pilgrims could operate. For 2025, the companies were to have a quota of at least 2,000 pilgrims." Yousuf said 904 companies formed clusters to meet the 2,000-pilgrim target. They were monitored by their umbrella organisation HOPE, which was responsible for overseeing and implementing the policy. "HOPE was given a February 14 deadline to deposit 25% of the amount required for the process to proceed. However, bookings could not proceed without these payments. "By February 14, only 3,600 pilgrims had deposited their payments. Even after a one-week extension and an additional 48 hours, the total only reached around 13,600," he said. Realising the issue, the minister said, he personally travelled to Saudi Arabia and requested an extension. However, the Saudi authorities clarified that global Hajj policy cannot be altered for one country. He then briefed the prime minister, who took immediate notice and directed the foreign minister to intervene. Following diplomatic efforts, Saudi Arabia granted an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan, which was equally offered to other Muslim countries as well. "As a result, 25,698 pilgrims will now perform Hajj under the private scheme this year. "The Saudi government is not granting any additional Hajj quota, and those who have been left out under the private scheme will not be accommodated this year. All Hajj flights will be completed by 30 May and all arrangements will conclude from this end," he added. According to Yousuf, the Saudi Minister for Hajj confirmed that the timeline was clearly stated in the official agreement, which was signed by HOPE's representative Waheed Butt. "Some people now claim ignorance, but the ministry had fulfilled its duty responsibly and issued timely instructions. It issued repeated public notices, urging pilgrims to confirm their bookings only through authorised companies, and not proceed without verification." The minister acknowledged the disappointment felt by pilgrims who could not proceed due to the operators' negligence, stating that the government is aware of this and action will be taken. "The PM has already formed an inquiry committee, and action will follow after the report is submitted," he said. When asked about mismanagement of funds by private tour operators, the religious affairs secretary said out of the required 700 million riyals, only 50 million riyals were deposited in the account of the DG Hajj. "These were mistakenly sent to outdated accounts, but the issue was resolved and the amount returned by January. Even those funds could have been used for bookings."
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Mona Khan completes London Marathon
The first Pakistani female journalist Mona Khan poses for a picture with her coach Muhammad Yousuf as they completed London Marathon against all odds. PHOTO COURTESY: PR In a historic achievement, Pakistani anchor and journalist Mona Khan has become the first Pakistani female journalist to complete the prestigious London Marathon 2025, alongside Muhammad Yousuf, the first Kashmiri international marathon runner. Their success is not just a personal victory — it is a powerful statement of breaking barriers and beating the odds. Mona Khan's journey to this moment began at the end of 2023, when she made headlines by becoming the first Pakistani female journalist to run the historic and notoriously challenging Athens Marathon in Greece. At a time when marathon running was largely seen as a male-dominated arena, especially for Pakistan, Mona dared to dream bigger. It was Coach Muhammad Yousuf, himself an accomplished international marathon runner, who motivated her to believe that if male national runners could represent Pakistan globally, so could a female journalist. Facing widespread skepticism and negativity, including criticism that running 42.2 km was simply "showing off," Mona Khan stood firm. She turned every doubt into determination, training relentlessly with Yousuf's mentorship and proving critics wrong step by step. In 2024, the duo completed back-to-back major marathons — first at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada, then at another challenging race in Italy. Mona's 2025 began with another major milestone in Dubai, setting the stage for her London triumph. However, her path was not without challenges. An injury before the London Marathon tested her physical limits, while the emotional difficulty of leaving behind her young son, Mustafa, in Pakistan weighed heavily on her heart. Mona also made sacrifices for her athletic goals, cutting her long hair for ease in training and enduring intense sun exposure that darkened her skin — yet she stayed focused and undeterred. Completing the London Marathon against all odds, Mona Khan is now being recognized internationally alongside Coach Muhammad Yousuf, who has steadfastly supported her journey.
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Hajj pilgrims to receive better facilities this year, says federal minister
Listen to article The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, has said that the government has made the best possible arrangements for Hajj pilgrims this year, Express News reported on Friday. Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Haji Camp in Karachi, Yousuf said he was there to inspect training sessions for pilgrims. He added that ministry staff were on site to brief pilgrims and ensure they were well prepared for the journey. According to the minister, 89,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under the government scheme. He assured that all preparations had been finalised, with a special focus on providing maximum facilities and avoiding any inconvenience. 'The Prime Minister has directed me to personally ensure that pilgrims face no difficulties,' he said, adding that past experience between 2013 and 2018 had helped improve this year's plan. Yousuf stated that 21,600 pilgrims would depart from Karachi, with arrangements in Makkah and Aziziyah including good quality accommodation and split air conditioning. He said additional facilities like shelves and upgraded transport had also been included in the new agreements. Each group of pilgrims would have a designated supervisor to resolve any problems on site, the minister confirmed. Earlier, Saudi authorities had announced plans to establish resting areas for pilgrims at various points in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The decision was shared during a briefing to Prince Saud bin Mishaal, the Deputy Governor of Makkah, regarding preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. Officials said 50,000 square metres of shaded walkways are being built for pedestrians in Mina, while 60,000 square metres of shelters and misting fans are being installed around Jabal al-Rahmah in Arafat.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Hajj preparation in final stages: minister
A pilgrim prays in front of the Holy Kaaba ahead of the Haj. PHOTO: REUTERS Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf has announced that about 90,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under the government Hajj schemewith Hajj flights starting from 29th of this month. As part of the 2025 Hajj policy, a total of 179,210 Pakistanis are set to perform Hajj this year. The Hajj quota is divided equally, with 89,605 seats allocated to both the government and private Hajj schemes. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday about Hajj 2025 preparations, the minister said arrangements for Hajj are in their final stages. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)the national flag carrieris going to start its pre-Hajj flight operation from April 29. During this massive exercise, more than 56, 000 pilgrims will be flown to Saudi Arabia through 280 flights. These pilgrims will include 20,000 people utilizing the government Hajj scheme and 36,000 people performing pilgrimage through private Hajj operators. The PIA will use Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 planes for transportation of pilgrims. After the Hajj, the PIA on June 12 will start its post-Hajj flight operation to bring back the pilgrims to Pakistan. This operation will continue till July 10. The minister said that officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be present at airports across the country to assist pilgrims during their departure. He emphasized that special focus is being given to the training of pilgrims, to enable them to avoid difficulties in Saudi Arabia. "The Saudi minister of Hajj assured me that excellent arrangements have been made for this year's Hajj," he said. Yousuf said the first phase of training has been completed, and the second phase of the training camp will start from April 8. Pilgrims should go prepared, and special focus is being given to training. He said Hajj and Umrah are matters of faith, and any work done in this regard is considered an act of faith. The minister said he had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and that he was following his instructions.
