Latest news with #Tawafa
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Civil Defense ramps up safety inspections in Mina pilgrims' camps
Saudi Gazette report MINA — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has intensified its inspection tours all over the pilgrims' camps in Mina with deploying preventive supervision groups to monitor safety requirements. This is also to ensure that Hajj service providers and Tawafa organizations are strictly adhering to the rules and regulations and instructions issued by the directorate. The intensive inspections of the Civil Defense teams, in coordination with the relevant authorities, in Mina cover pilgrims' housing facilities, as well as firefighting networks, emergency exits, and rainwater and flood drainage networks. The directorate affirmed that preventive supervision teams will continue to enforce the ban on cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas) use at the holy sites. Any materials or cylinders found will be confiscated to ensure the highest levels of safety and protection for pilgrims throughout their stay at the holy site, from the Day of Tarwiyah (Dhul Hijjah 8) until the final days of Tashreeq (Dhul Hijjah 13).
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Heads must roll
Listen to article It is a pity and quite unfortunate that 63,907 intending Pakistani pilgrims will not be able to perform Hajj this year. The onus for this negligence now officially rests on 903 companies and their umbrella organisation, HOPE. They all must undergo retribution, have their licences revoked, and be heavily penalised for their sheer incompetence and unprofessionalism. No excuses must be entertained at any level, and none should go off the hook. The committee that has been formed by the federal government to investigate the mess must see to it that justice is done, and these operators and their associates are black-listed for all times to come. Likewise, armchair experts in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and especially those who worked hand in glove with private operators for this year must also be shown the door. The trajectory of carelessness is tantamount to a crime. The private sector quota wielders initially failed to understand the new policy regulations of the Saudi government and could not complete the Tawafa formalities within the deadline. But even after missing the deadline to what they called technical lacunae, they went on to hold the money deposited by the pilgrims. They then missed a new deadline to deposit 25 per cent of the amount required for the process to proceed. Last but not least, it seems the private operators were deliberately involved in a mug-up to shore up the big finances for their personal designs at the altar of poor pilgrims who stand duped today. This is no small upset for pilgrims as it is tantamount to playing with their sentiments, and their lifetime wish to take the holy journey. These stranded pilgrims include many expatriates who had travelled to Pakistan, and are now in a state of limbo. The Hajj modus operandi in Pakistan has long been mired in slur and suspicion, and there are instances when pilgrims were taken for a ride, cheated and denied their promised privileges. But this year, it has gone over the brink — something that must see heads rolled from top to bottom. The trust of the people has been shattered and is in need of being restored.
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
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel grills ministry over Hajj quota loss
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has informed the Senate panel that the final number of intending Hajj pilgrims under private Hajj operators is subject to the approval of the quota by the Saudi government. Ministry Secretary Dr Attaur Rehman briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs subcommittee, explaining that payments for Qadana and Tawafa services are deposited into accounts in Saudi Arabia. Once the funds are transferred from there, they will be disbursed among the organisers. He noted that the funds could be used for the next Hajj if the system is maintained. Subcommittee convener Senator Awn Abbas Bappi inquired about the deductions for pilgrims requesting refunds and sought details regarding correspondence with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). He also asked about any funds deposited by mistake. The ministry's secretary assured that intending pilgrims would receive refunds. Senator Bappi further questioned why the SBP had not increased the daily fund transfer limit. The ministry's secretary responded that only organisers with at least 14,000 riyals in their accounts were cleared.
Economic Key
30-04-2025
- Business
- Economic Key
Hajj 2025: "Nusuk Cards" Distributed Internationally for the First Time, Starting with Malaysian Pilgrims
Bondagjy: 'Nusuk card is a cutting-edge digital tool that reflects the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience.' As part of its preparations for the 2025 Hajj season, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun issuing Nusuk cards to Tawafa companies in preparation for distribution to pilgrims arriving from across the Islamic world. In a historic milestone, Mashariq Almasiah – the Tawafa company serving Malaysian pilgrims – became the first to receive and distribute the cards. The inaugural handover took place during an emotional ceremony held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, led by Almasiah Chairman Ali Bondagjy, and attended by Malaysian Minister of Hajj, Dato' Haji Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. Pilgrims were handed their Nusuk cards at the airport just before their departure to the Kingdom to perform Hajj. The Malaysian Minister praised the continuous advancements made by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in serving pilgrims, expressing his gratitude to Almasiah for its dedication and responsiveness since the beginning of its service contract with Malaysia. He voiced confidence that the 2025 Hajj season will see exceptional services delivered to Malaysian pilgrims, thanks to Almasiah's efficiency and deep commitment to pilgrim welfare. Chairman Ali Bondagjy described the Nusuk card as one of the smart, regulatory tools introduced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to improve service delivery and field operations for registered pilgrims. The card is designed to enhance the overall Hajj experience — from the moment of arrival until the completion of rituals. Bondagjy extended his thanks to the Government of Saudi Arabia for its relentless efforts in serving the Guests of Allah and commended the Ministry's ongoing innovation in the sector. He emphasized that Almasiah's selection as the first company to receive Nusuk cards reflects its leadership in the field. The company had proactively established dedicated operational teams ahead of the season, demonstrating its readiness to implement the Ministry's digital transformation initiatives. He further highlighted that the continual modernization of Hajj services aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the national roadmap aimed at elevating all sectors, including pilgrimage services. This vision has empowered the Kingdom to develop robust digital infrastructure and smart systems that ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Muslims around the world. تم نسخ الرابط
