ISLAMABAD: The Saudi cabinet on Tuesday reviewed topics related to the services provided to Hajj pilgrims, and to the service of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Chaired by King Salman, the cabinet discussed his directive to host thousands of pilgrims from all over the world each year as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah.
The program has benefited more than 52,000 pilgrims since its inception in 1996.
Media Minister Turki Al-Shabanah said the opening of water projects in Makkah and the holy sites reflects the Saudi leadership’s care and attention, SPA reported.
The opening of the water projects, which cost a total of more than SR1.3 billion ($346.6 million), coincides with this year’s pilgrimage season, to the benefit of pilgrims from around the world.
As one of Saudi Arabia’s most long-standing allies, Pakistan has particularly benefitted from Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Hajj services.
As an extension of services provided to Pakistani Hajj pilgrims this year, the Road to Makkah project was initiated in the country and aims to facilitate the 200,000 people expected to perform the obligatory religious ritual. It was during Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s February visit to Islamabad, that Prime Minister Imran Khan had requested him to include Pakistan in the project.
For this purpose, before the commencement of Hajj flights from Pakistan earlier this month, a team of Saudi officials arrived in the country to set up a pre-departure immigration system at Islamabad International Airport which significantly cuts down waiting times for pilgrims once they land in Saudi Arabia. The program is expected to be extended to other major airports in Pakistan in the years to come.
This year alone, nearly 30,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to benefit from the facility.
In addition to this, services to Pakistani pilgrims include a state-of-the-art Pakistan Hajj medical mission with 180 doctors, two hospitals and 18 ambulances.
Saudi cabinet reviews, stresses commitment to Hajj services
Saudi cabinet reviews, stresses commitment to Hajj services
- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program has benefited over 52,000 pilgrims
- ‘Road to Makkah’ project an extension of services for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims
Pakistan raises fuel prices by Rs55 per liter as Middle East conflict drives oil surge
- Government says adequate fuel stocks in place despite global energy shock
- Oil prices jump from about $78 to over $106 per barrel amid regional conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter each as escalating conflict in the Middle East sent global oil prices sharply higher and disrupted energy supply routes, officials said.
Global oil markets have been rattled since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran began last week, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region, raising fears of disruption to key energy shipping routes and pushing petroleum prices sharply upward.
The price adjustment in Pakistan was announced after a joint press conference by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who said the government was monitoring international energy markets and domestic supply conditions amid the crisis.
“So, the decision we have made by changing the levy a little bit is that we are going ahead with increasing the price of both fuels, petrol and diesel, by Rs55 ($0.20),” Malik told reporters.
“And as soon as this matter settles, we will revise the prices downward with the same speed and take steps on how to increase people’s income and purchasing power.”
He said Pakistan entered the crisis with “comfortable energy reserves” due to earlier planning but rising global prices had forced the government to adjust domestic fuel rates to maintain supply continuity.
He said international petrol prices had climbed from roughly $78 per barrel on March 1 to around $106.8 per barrel, while diesel prices had risen to about $150 per barrel.
Malik added that the government had taken steps to minimize the burden on consumers, noting diesel plays a critical role in agriculture, transportation and public mobility.
Malik also warned that authorities would take strict action against anyone attempting to hoard fuel or manipulate supply for profiteering.
The minister said Pakistan was working with international partners to secure additional energy supplies, including arrangements with Saudi Aramco and the use of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels to transport crude oil imports.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said a high-level government committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been meeting daily to review developments in global petroleum markets and their potential impact on Pakistan’s economy.
“Pakistan currently maintains adequate energy stocks and macroeconomic stability,” Aurangzeb said, adding that the government’s response was based on preparedness rather than panic.
He said the committee, which includes senior ministers, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and other officials, was assessing short-, medium- and long-term implications of the crisis for inflation, foreign exchange reserves and broader economic indicators.
Deputy PM Dar said the regional conflict had significantly disrupted global energy markets, with international petroleum prices rising by as much as 50–70 percent in recent days.
The deputy prime minister added that Pakistan was also engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region.
Petroleum prices will now be reviewed more frequently, potentially on a weekly basis, and any reduction in global oil prices would be passed on to consumers.
Pakistan, which relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs, is particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks that can quickly feed into inflation and pressure the country’s external accounts.
