ISLAMABAD: Between August 31 and November 24, Pakistan topped the list of countries whose citizens went to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, according to date released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday.
Around 319,494 Pakistanis went for Umrah in this time period, followed by 306,461 Indonesians and 195,345 Indians. Others in the list of top Umrah performers are Malaysia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, and Jordan, in that order.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Twitter on Sunday it has issued more than 1.3 million Umrah visas during the current Islamic calendar year.
“Pakistan topped the list with the most nationalized Umrah visas with 319.49 thousand visas, followed by Indonesia with 306.46 thousand visas, and from Arab countries, Algeria was the most prominent with 28.79 thousand visas,” according to the statement. “835.87 thousand Umrah pilgrims left during the period, while 297.5 thousand pilgrims are currently in the Holy Land.”
Pakistan tops list of Umrah pilgrims — Ministry of Hajj
Pakistan tops list of Umrah pilgrims — Ministry of Hajj
- Around 319,494 Pakistanis went for Umrah between August 31 and November 24
- Others in the list of top Umrah performers are Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq and Jordan
Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament
- Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
- He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.
“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”
His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.
The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.
“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.
“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.
The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
