logo
Minorities' contribution to defence hailed

Minorities' contribution to defence hailed

Express Tribune23-05-2025

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.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PM chairs review meeting on Hajj 2026
PM chairs review meeting on Hajj 2026

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

PM chairs review meeting on Hajj 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday discussed preparations for next year's Hajj, directing the Ministry of Religious Affairs to begin planning immediately. Sharif, while chairing a review meeting on Hajj 2026, emphasized the importance of timely and efficient preparations, urging officials to develop a comprehensive action plan based on the Hajj policy recently issued by Saudi Arabia. 'There will be zero tolerance for negligence in serving pilgrims next year,' the Prime Minister said during the meeting. He also instructed that the private Hajj scheme be regularized and called for a detailed roadmap to be finalized and presented soon, along with a clear timeline for implementation. Federal Ministers Musadik Malik and Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with senior officials, attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

PM warns against negligence after thousands miss Hajj pilgrimage
PM warns against negligence after thousands miss Hajj pilgrimage

Express Tribune

time5 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

PM warns against negligence after thousands miss Hajj pilgrimage

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Hajj arrangements for the upcoming year in Islamabad on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Photo courtesy: Radio Pakistan Listen to article In the wake of serious administrative lapses that prevented more than 67,000 prospective pilgrims from performing Hajj this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to immediately begin planning and logistical preparations for Hajj 2026. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, the prime minister said such negligence would not be tolerated in the future, and instructed the ministry to develop a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Hajj policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 'Serving the Hajj pilgrims is a sacred responsibility. Any negligence in this regard next year will be unacceptable,' the prime minister was quoted as saying during the meeting. Read More: 'Private Hajj quota' lost due to negligence In 2025, Saudi Arabia had allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan, traditionally split evenly between the government and private Hajj operators. However, delays and mismanagement in meeting procedural requirements led to the underutilisation of the quota—particularly in the private sector. As a result, the private sector's share dropped from the allocated 89,801 slots to just 25,698, leaving over 67,000 pilgrims unable to travel. The lapse prompted the prime minister to form a three-member inquiry committee in April to investigate the failure to comply with the Kingdom's Hajj policy. To prevent a repeat of this year's debacle, the prime minister directed that early and detailed arrangements be made, including immediate coordination with Saudi authorities. He also instructed the regularisation of the private Hajj scheme to ensure better oversight and compliance. He also ordered the presentation of a plan of action soon after the period of Hajj for the upcoming year is determined. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Musadik Malik, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other relevant departments. A formal plan of action is expected to be submitted soon.

NA Speaker, Fazl discuss federal budget
NA Speaker, Fazl discuss federal budget

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

NA Speaker, Fazl discuss federal budget

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulan Fazlur Rehman discussed Federal Budget 2025-26 and agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. Speaker Sadiq met with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl in his chamber at the Parliament House on Thursday. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the overall political situation of the country, the upcoming federal budget for the next fiscal year, and the emerging regional scenario in light of the Iran-Israel conflict. The meeting discussed Federal Budget 2025-26. Both leaders agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. The NA speaker noted that, for the first time in parliamentary history, parliamentary committees have been made more active in the budget proposal process so that constructive input from all stakeholders can be incorporated. Maulana Fazl expressed deep concern over the Iran-Israel war, stating that "in the current situation, the entire Muslim Ummah must demonstrate unity, solidarity, and foresight to ensure that efforts for peace in the region are not undermined." He emphasised that Pakistan should further intensify its diplomatic efforts to play a reconciliatory role within the Muslim world. On this occasion, Speaker Sadiq stated, "Pakistan has openly condemned Israeli aggression and reiterated its friendship and solidarity with Iran. We have effectively presented our stance regarding Palestine and Iran on all international forums, and the Parliament stands in complete support of this position." He stated that, all political parties must speak with one voice in the national interest to strengthen Pakistan's foreign policy on the global stage. Maulana Fazl congratulated Speaker Sadiq on performing Hajj and expressed best wishes for him. Governor of Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail was also present during the meeting. In conclusion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting democratic traditions, strengthening national unity, and continuing joint efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store