Latest news with #MinistryofReligiousAffairsandInterfaithHarmony
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Post-Hajj flights continue amid tensions
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony confirmed on Sunday that the post-Hajj flight operation was continuing successfully despite global air traffic disruptions. Ministry Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said as of Saturday, a total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims had returned home from Saudi Arabia, while 4,995 more pilgrims were expected to arrive via 20 flights scheduled to land across five major cities on Sunday. "Today, six flights each will land in Islamabad and Lahore, four in Karachi, three in Multan, and one in Quetta," the spokesperson stated. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate eight of these flights; Saudi Airlines, five; AirBlue, four; AirSial, two; and Serene Air one. "Despite the international challenges in air traffic, the return operation is proceeding efficiently," he noted, urging the pilgrims to maintain discipline to ensure a smooth repatriation process. Pilgrims were also advised to strictly adhere to the instructions. Pak airspace becomes key route Several foreign airlines have started using Pakistan's airspace for various international destinations as airspace closures continued in the Middle East region because of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, data shows. Major carriers, including Emirates, are now flying over northern Pakistan on routes to North America, Egypt, and other destinations. Their flight paths pass through western Pakistan, then proceed over Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Turkey before heading west. The airspaces of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel remained closed. The major airlines affected by the regional tension include El Al, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air India, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, subsidiary AJet, Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and flydubai. These carriers have suspended flights to and from Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan or rerouted flights over safer airspace such as Central Asia or Saudi Arabia. Iraq's closure affects one of the busiest air corridors between Europe and the Gulf. The airspace of Israel and Iran remained closed on Sunday. Jordan – which geographically lies between the two warring countries – reopened its airspace after a temporary closure. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have reported delays and cancellations linked to these restrictions. Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, its main international terminal, remained shut with all flights suspended until further notice, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation confirmed its airspace closure would remain in effect until Sunday evening. With input from agencies
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ministry advises 'strict adherence' to Saudi laws
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) on Monday advised Pakistani pilgrims to comply fully with Saudi regulations, particularly during Mashair days in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamarah. Issuing an advisory ahead of Hajj starting from 8th Zilhajj (June 4 – Wednesday), Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ataur Rehman emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Saudi authorities without argument. He cautioned Pakistani pilgrims that violating Saudi laws and engaging in prohibited activities could bring a bad name for the country, and stressed that individuals would be responsible for their own actions.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pope Leo's oath-taking: Kohistani, Arora to represent Pakistan in Vatican City
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday said that Minister of State, Kheal Das Kohistani and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora would represent Pakistan at the oath-taking ceremony of Pope Leo, the newly elected spiritual leader of the global Catholic community. According to the Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, both ministers will participate in the ceremony scheduled to be held in Vatican City on May 18. Their visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to interfaith harmony and its respect for religious diversity. Pope Leo will become the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church, assuming leadership of more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
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.
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Hajj 2025: flights face delays amid suspension of air operations
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Friday that 345 pilgrims who were left behind due to the cancelled flights amid tensions between Pakistan and India were sent today from Islamabad via a special PIA flight. In a statement, the ministry's spokesperson said that the schedule of 13 Hajj flights was affected between May 7 and 9. Due to the temporary suspension of flight operations, the schedules of 3,080 Hajj pilgrims were affected, the spokesperson stated. 'During these three days, 4 Hajj flights were cancelled and 9 were delayed,' the statement said. After India's unprovoked airstrikes inside Pakistan on May 7, flight operations were either suspended or temporarily delayed due to security concerns. On May 8, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that flight operations at Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot airports were temporarily suspended. Meanwhile, the religious ministry's spokesperson said that 540 pilgrims will also be sent from Islamabad and Lahore through special flights. During May 7 and May 9, 4 Hajj flights were cancelled and 9 were delayed, according to the ministry's spokesperson. 'Two Hajj flights each of Saudi Airlines from Islamabad and Lahore were cancelled.' Three flights from Lahore, two each from Islamabad and Quetta, and one each from Multan and Karachi experienced delays,' the spokesperson said.
