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Arab News
5 days ago
- Arab News
Pakistan vows more facilities for elderly pilgrims in ‘even better' Hajj 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro this week vowed that the government would try to ensure next year's pilgrimage is 'even better' for pilgrims, promising more facilities for the elderly ones. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. Speaking at a ceremony held to acknowledge the services of the Pakistani welfare staff during Hajj in Makkah, Soomro said the government introduces new measures every Hajj for its pilgrims and would continue to do so. 'In the next Hajj, we will try to make it even better,' Soomro said on Monday. 'We will try to ensure that aged pilgrims, for example, are not allocated a room above the first floor.' The Pakistani official said the government would also try to ensure that elderly pilgrims are provided accommodations close to the Mashair, or holy sites in Makkah, for their convenience. 'So, these small things that we are adding every year are enriching the overall experience of the pilgrim,' Soomro said. Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman, Pakistan's secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, also spoke at the event. He reminded authorities that the post-Hajj flight operation will continue until the last Pakistani pilgrim and welfare staff return to the country. 'Therefore, the remaining part of the operation should be carried out with the same diligence, attention and caution so that the glory of this success does not diminish,' Rehman told participants. Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operation with the arrival of the Pakistan International Airline flight PK-732 in Islamabad on June 11, carrying 307 pilgrims. The country is expected to conclude the operation on July 10. Over 11,400 pilgrims, including around 3,000 from Madinah, have returned to Pakistan so far, as per figures provided by Pakistan's religious affairs minister. The government has announced it has begun preparations for Hajj 2026 as it has received the Saudi Hajj policy and timeline for next year's pilgrimage.
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.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistani pilgrims should collect documents, IDs, SIMs from Hajj camps: ministry
Listen to article The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised Hajj arrangements for this year, confirming that all Hajj camps across Pakistan are fully prepared to serve pilgrims. Under the supervision of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, a high-level meeting reviewed the services and facilities being provided at Hajj camps nationwide. During the briefing, attended by Secretary for Religious Affairs Syed Ataur Rehman and other senior officials, it was announced that pilgrims will be required to collect their airline tickets, visas, identification lockets, travel stickers, and mobile SIM cards from their respective Hajj camps two days before their scheduled flights. Vaccination schedules were also detailed in the meeting. Vaccination drives will begin on April 21 in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan. In Karachi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, vaccinations will commence from April 22, while Quetta will start its campaign from April 23. Pilgrims have also been advised to follow the schedule provided through the Pak Hajj mobile application to avoid unnecessary delays or confusion. Sardar Muhammad Yousaf reaffirmed that 'All Hajj camps are ready to serve the guests of Allah,' urging pilgrims to strictly adhere to the allocated timelines. The temporary Hajj camp in Rahim Yar Khan will operate from April 22 to April 24, officials confirmed. Pilgrims will also be provided with essential medicines and Hajj-related gifts at the camps. The ministry has reiterated that vaccination and document collection are mandatory steps before departure, and pilgrims must report to their assigned camps accordingly.
