Latest news with #UmarButt
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Hajj flight operations resume, says religious affairs ministry
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday confirmed full restoration of Pakistan's airspace for all types of flights, enabling the resumption of Hajj operations according to schedule. In an exclusive talk with APP, the Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt informed that all Hajj flights will now depart for Saudi Arabia as per their original itinerary, following the temporary suspension of flight operations due to recent security concerns. 'Due to intermittent flight suspensions, a total of 10 Hajj flights were cancelled,' the spokesperson stated. These included three flights from Lahore, two from Islamabad, and one each from Karachi and Multan, he added. As a result of these cancellations, he said 2,290 pilgrims were affected; however, 1,277 pilgrims have already been accommodated and dispatched via special flights. Umar Butt said efforts are currently underway to ensure that the remaining 1,013 pilgrims are also flown to Saudi Arabia at the earliest through additional special flight arrangements. He said that a total of 19,669 Pakistani pilgrims have successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia so far under the Hajj Operation 2025. The spokesperson advised all pilgrims to remain in contact with their respective Haji Camps for the latest updates and flight information.
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Saudi officials set to review Hajj op in Pakistan
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Sunday announced that a 45-member Saudi delegation has arrived in Pakistan to assess arrangements for the 'Road to Makkah' project in a bid to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. According to the ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, officials from the ministry warmly received the delegation at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA). Under the 'Road to Makkah' initiative, a total of 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia via designated flights, he said, adding that of these, approximately 28,000 pilgrims will depart from IIA, while 22,500 will fly from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. He further informed that 100 flights will operate from Islamabad and 80 from Karachi under the project. Umar Butt said dedicated immigration counters for pilgrims will be established at both Islamabad and Karachi airports. Significantly, under the 'Road to Makkah' project, pilgrims' immigration procedures will be completed in Pakistan, eliminating the need for clearance upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, he maintained. Umar Butt said the ministry has issued important guidelines for pilgrims. He said it is mandatory for all pilgrims to receive essential vaccinations before departure. Pilgrims are advised to visit the nearest Haji Camp to receive free vaccinations against meningitis, influenza, and polio, he said, adding that after vaccination, obtaining the yellow vaccination card is compulsory, as entry into Saudi Arabia without a valid vaccination certificate is not permitted. Umar Butt said pilgrims above the age of 65 must carry their original COVID-19 vaccination card as in the absence of the card, senior pilgrims are instructed to get vaccinated at the nearest Haji Camp and obtain a new certificate. Umar Butt said the ministry also issued a strong warning against fraudulent Hajj permits. "Pilgrims must only travel with valid and approved Hajj permits," said the ministry's spokesperson, adding that the ministry had cautioned that fraudulent companies and unauthorized advertisements could mislead pilgrims with fake permits, leading to severe consequences.
