President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress. The president met President of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace. President Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful […]
pilgrims
Hajj 2026: Last chance today to pay second installment
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that all nominated banks will remain open today to receive the second installment for Hajj 2026. Saturday marks the final day for intending pilgrims to pay their dues. Applicants are advised to collect computerised receipts to avoid delays in their applications. The Hajj scheme offers Pakistani citizens guidance […]
SBP branches open Saturday for Haj dues collection
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that its designated branches will remain open on Saturday, November 15, to collect the second instalment of Haj dues for the next year’s pilgrimage. The decision comes at the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to facilitate intending pilgrims in completing their […]
Nine killed in stampede at Andhra Pradesh temple
At least nine people, including a child, were killed in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred during heavy rush of devotees gathered for the Ekadashi festival. The Andhra Pradesh Governor’s Office expressed “anguish and profound grief” over the loss of […]
Average Umrah duration in Makkah recorded at 116 minutes
MAKKAH – The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has reported that the average duration for performing Umrah during Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 AH was approximately 116 minutes. According to the latest survey conducted by the authority, 92% of pilgrims performed Tawaf in the Mataf area […]
MWM defies road ban, marches to Rimdan
The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has rejected the government’s ban on road travel for pilgrims. The party announced it will lead pilgrims to the Rimdan border despite the restriction. MWM Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas held a press conference in Karachi and said visiting Karbala is a part of their faith. He emphasized that they will […]
First batch of 633 intending Pakistani pilgrims to arrive in Jeddah today
As many as two flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), carrying a total of 633 intending Pakistani pilgrims from Islamabad under the Road to Makkah Initiative, will land at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, on Wednesday-one in the morning and the other in the evening. Talking to APP on Tuesday, Director General (DG) Hajj Abdul […]
First hajj flights take off from Pakistan, carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
The first flight for Hajj pilgrims departed from Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-713, with 442 passengers, headed for Madinah. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Al-Malki, and PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat were present to bid farewell to the pilgrims. Additionally, the first […]
Saudi Arabia makes meningitis vaccine mandatory for Hajj 2025 pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has announced that all pilgrims participating in Hajj 2025 must receive the meningitis vaccine. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that both Saudi citizens and foreign pilgrims are required to be vaccinated before they can proceed with their pilgrimage. Without the vaccine, pilgrims will not be allowed to register or process Hajj […]
Saudi Arabia starts registration of domestic pilgrims for Hajj 2022
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the start of registration of domestic pilgrims for Hajj this year 1443H/2022, effective from Friday. The ministry said that the registration of Hajj for domestic pilgrims will last for 9 days until Saturday, June 11. It confirmed that early registration would not be considered as […]