Daily Times

The newly-appointed Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Senator Talha Mehmood, wasted no time in getting down to work, as he met with the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, soon after assuming office on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed a range of issues related to the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, including the Road to Makkah project and other matters.

Minister Mehmood praised the Saudi envoy, describing him as a valuable friend of Pakistan who had played a significant role in bringing the people of both countries closer.

The two officials discussed the expansion of the Road to Makkah project to other cities in order to facilitate the maximum Hajj pilgrims, with Ambassador Al-Malki announcing that the designated airport terminal would be handed over to Saudi officials for the project on April 25. Ambassador Al-Malki congratulated Senator Mehmood on his appointment and expressed his best wishes, describing him as a long-time and reliable friend of Saudi Arabia.

He assured the minister of all possible cooperation from the Saudi government in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Pakistani pilgrims. Minister Mehmood, for his part, emphasized that under the mission of his predecessor, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, it was his first priority to provide the best facilities to Pakistanis. This commitment to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims is a testament to the government’s vision for promoting religious harmony and facilitating religious practices in the country.

The meeting between the minister and the Saudi envoy highlights the strong and enduring ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to serving the Islamic community. Earlier, Talha Mahmood was given the additional portfolio of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The decision was made by the prime minister in accordance with Rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business, 1973, on Tuesday, following the sudden death of the previous Minister, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, in a road accident in the federal capital on Saturday night.