ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Talha Mahmood on Sunday lauded the Saudi government for undertaking excellent measures to ensure the recently concluded Hajj pilgrimage was held smoothly, saying that he was amazed at the “rapid” transformation that the kingdom had undertaken under the Saudi crown prince.
Mahmood comments came at the Islamabad airport as the first post-Hajj flight carrying 392 Pakistani pilgrims from Jeddah arrived. The Hajj concluded on Friday after pilgrims returned to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and performed farewell Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba, after spending days offering prayers and engaging in the remembrance of the Almighty.
The South Asian country commenced its post-Hajj flight operation on Sunday, with four flights departing from Jeddah to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar, according to Pakistan’s national flag carrier. A total of 1,423 pilgrims returned home via these flights. The post-Hajj operation will conclude on August 2, with the final flight departing from Madinah.
“I am amazed to see how Saudi Arabia is transforming, evolving at a rapid pace, and embracing modern technology,” Mahmood told Arab News, crediting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the change.
Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Talha Mahmood (2R) arrives from Jeddah at the Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad on July 2, 2023, as Pakistan begins its post-Hajj flight operation. (Photo courtesy: CAA)
He also heaped praises on the kingdom for ensuring excellent arrangements were in place for the annual spiritual pilgrimage.
“This was the largest Hajj in the history of Saudi Arabia by the grace of Allah, all arrangements were excellent,” Mahmood said.
“I express heartfelt gratitude to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi government as they have made great efforts to facilitate a large number of pilgrims at their best.”
He said Pakistani pilgrims were very satisfied with the arrangements during the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The people I have met have expressed satisfaction and happiness over the arrangements and I believe all pilgrims had a blessed Hajj,” the minister said.
Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive from Jeddah at the Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad on July 2, 2023, as Pakistan begins its post-Hajj flight operation. (AN Photo)
Along with overseeing current Hajj operations, Mahmood said, he had secured next year’s quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan as well, which would help his ministry improve arrangements.
“We were supposed to receive our quota after 8 months, and today I am bringing the quota for 179,210 pilgrims for 2024,” he continued.
“I will now immediately start preparations for the next year’s Hajj, which we usually begin during Ramadan.”
Zafar Iqbal, a Pakistani pilgrim from Mianwali, said it was his first Hajj and his experience was “fantastic.”
“The arrangements were top-notch. The food, accommodation, and transportation were all excellent. There was no shortage of anything, and I felt incredibly blessed that Allah chose me to visit this sacred place,” he told Arab News.
“I prayed for my country’s strength, prosperity, and protection from both internal and external conspiracies.”
Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive from Jeddah at the Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad on July 2, 2023, as Pakistan begins its post-Hajj flight operation. (AN Photo)
Jansaid Khan, another pilgrim from Peshawar, said he had performed Hajj multiple times, but the arrangements for the pilgrimage were “exceptional” this year.
“Despite the scorching heat in Saudi Arabia, the hotel, the Haram, and the availability of water were all well-maintained and kept cool,” he told Arab News.
Syed Wajid Ali Shah from Peshawar endorsed what the other pilgrims said.
“The weather was extremely hot, however, apart from that, all the arrangements were excellent, and we are extremely pleased with our government for providing us with facilities that exceeded our expectations,” he added.
