Latest news with #SardarYousuf
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."
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business Recorder
Operation for 2025 commences: First Hajj flight departs from Islamabad
KARACHI: Pakistan's Hajj operation for 2025 officially commenced as the first flight carrying pilgrims departed from Islamabad International Airport to Madinah early Tuesday morning. The PIA Flight PK-713 took off at 4:45 AM with 442 pilgrims on board, marking the beginning of this year's Hajj pilgrimage operations. The pilgrims were seen off by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousuf, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki, and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, who presented special gifts to the departing pilgrims. Later, the first Hajj flight from Quetta, PK-7201 also departed at 10:00 AM carrying 170 pilgrims. Meanwhile, Lahore's first Hajj flight, PK-747, took off at 10:00 PM with 323 passengers bound for Madinah. PIA spokesman said that PIA would transport approximately 35,200 government-quota pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through more than 117 special flights. In the initial phase, special flights will carry pilgrims from Pakistan to Madinah, while in the second phase flights will be directed to Jeddah. 'The national carrier will operate direct Hajj flights from six major Pakistani cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Quetta,' PIA spokesman said. At Islamabad and Karachi airports, 'Road to Makkah' facilities have been established in collaboration with the Saudi government, allowing pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration procedures before leaving Pakistan. PIA's pre-Hajj operation will continue until May 31, while the post-Hajj operation will begin on June 10 and conclude on July 10, 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
