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.
Pakistani pilgrims pray for future of ‘New Pakistan’ during Hajj
Pakistani pilgrims pray for future of ‘New Pakistan’ during Hajj
- While performing Hajj, Pakistanis are keeping a close eye on political activity back home
- New Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to run the country on an Islamic welfare state model of the kind first established by the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah
Pakistan explores new food export routes, protections for farm supply amid Middle East conflict
- Senior ministers review alternative sea routes, new markets amid the war in Iran
- Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for its imports and exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reviewed the supply of perishable food items and fertilizer stocks on Monday, according to the state media, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies critical to the country’s trade and agriculture.
The meetings, chaired separately by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, came as tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran have raised concerns about the security of key maritime routes and energy markets that underpin Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for both fuel imports and exports of agricultural and food products, making disruptions in the region particularly sensitive for the country.
Dar chaired a meeting of the PM’s Committee to review the supply and export of perishable food items, examining steps to maintain domestic availability while ensuring timely exports of surplus produce.
“In the light of evolving regional trade dynamics and disruptions to some traditional routes, the committee explored alternative export pathways, sea routes, and potential new markets,” Radio Pakistan reported after the meeting.
Officials also discussed proposals from exporters and emphasized improving storage facilities, logistics and market access while assessing global demand and pricing trends to support export competitiveness.
In a separate meeting in Islamabad, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would ensure stable fertilizer availability despite regional uncertainties.
“Agricultural productivity and food security will remain protected despite external challenges,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee.
He stressed the need for close coordination among manufacturers, distributors and provincial authorities to maintain uninterrupted fertilizer supply across the country.
The committee also reviewed fertilizer pricing and distribution mechanisms to prevent artificial shortages and hoarding, officials said, adding that authorities would monitor prices closely to ensure farmers have access to affordable inputs.
