ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (WNP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Tuesday lauded the exemplary coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operations this year.
Speaking at the Hajj Conference organized by the Central Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Pakistan, the minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, religious scholars, and all relevant institutions for their unwavering support and services to Hajj pilgrims.
Sardar Yousaf extended special thanks to Senator Hafiz Abdul Kareem and Maulana Ali Muhammad Abu Turab for their guidance and leadership, saying their patronage significantly enhanced the organization and efficiency of the Hajj arrangements. He also acknowledged the contributions of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and a wide network of volunteers and scholars who worked closely with the government to serve pilgrims.
The minister highlighted that all arrangements were finalized under the direct instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with full confidence and encouragement also extended by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “I personally visited Saudi Arabia twice to review arrangements on the ground to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims face no hardship,” he added.
He further noted that under the clear directives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi government provided exemplary facilities to pilgrims this year. “Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki played a key role in facilitating Pakistani pilgrims and acted as a true representative of Pakistan,” he said.
Announcing further facilitation for future pilgrims, Sardar Yousaf revealed that the Makkah Route Initiative would be extended to include Lahore and Peshawar airports in the next Hajj season, easing travel formalities and enhancing convenience for pilgrims.
“The entire world acknowledges the deep-rooted, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” he said. “These bonds, strengthened through shared religious devotion, especially during Hajj and Umrah, will remain unbreakable.”
The minister also declared the arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and other services during Hajj as “exemplary,” and extended congratulations to all institutions involved. He confirmed that Saudi Arabia had officially announced its Hajj policy on 12th Dhul-Hijjah and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed full cooperation with Saudi authorities to formulate Pakistan’s Hajj policy accordingly.
Sardar Yousaf also noted that a high-level meeting was held earlier in the day with a visiting Saudi delegation, which included the speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly and the Saudi ambassador. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two Islamic countries.
Earlier in the conference, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the unity, development, and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah. He reiterated the resolve of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to continue modernizing and improving facilities for Zuyuf-ur-Rahman (guests of the Merciful).
Several religious and political leaders also spoke at the conference, paying tribute to both the governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for the smooth execution of Hajj operations. They praised Sardar Yousaf for his dedicated efforts in ensuring comfort and dignity for Pakistani pilgrims.
The event was presided over by Senator Dr. Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Amir of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees. Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf was the chief guest, while Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki was the guest of honor. Honorary shields were presented to both dignitaries in recognition of their contributions.
Keynote speakers included Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri (JUI-F Secretary General), Maulana Ali Muhammad Abu Turab (President, Pakistan-Saudi Unity Council), Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil, Maulana Abdul Haq Sani (JUI-S Amir), Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi, Maulana Abdul Rasheed Hijazi, Allama Sibtain Shah Naqvi, Mufti Feroz-ud-Din Hazarvi, Maulana Shafiq-ur-Rehman Alvi, and Hafiz Faisal Afzal.
The event was jointly moderated by Maulana Atiq-ur-Rehman Shah and Professor Sajjad Qamar.
