Pakistani pilgrims pray for future of ‘New Pakistan’ during Hajj

MINA: As Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan took his oath of office in Islamabad, Pakistani pilgrims in Mina were excited about the change of leadership in their home nation.
“Though we are far away from the country to perform Hajj, we are hearing lots of good news from Pakistan. It seems like our prayers are already answered,” said Naseema Bano, from Islamabad. She added that she is very happy that she will return from Hajj to a “new” Pakistan under a new leadership.
Ahmed Ali, from Karachi, said that many Pakistanis are praying for Khan and his success.
“I feel blessed that I am at the right place to pray for my Naya Pakistan (new Pakistan),” he said. “(Khan) is a lucky man that millions of Pakistanis will pray from him — it is such a blessing for a leader. I hope he will meet our expectations.”
Khan has vowed to run the country on an Islamic welfare state model, as first implemented by the Prophet Muhammad in Madina. However, not everyone is impressed by the new prime minister.
“Not Imran Khan but, yes, Pakistan will always be in my prayers,” said Begum Zaitun, from Jehlum, who added that she is concerned about the future of the Islamic nation’s social fabric under the new government, which is led by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
“The kind of stories I read about of Imran Khan, I am scared that our country will become morally corrupt where all social evils will rule our society,” she said. “I will pray to Allah that my country will be saved from becoming western.”
A total of 179,210 Pakistanis have performed Hajj this year, one of the largest national representations.