ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Saturday applauded Saudi Arabia for using advanced technology to improve the pilgrimage experience for Muslims, the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported, after the kingdom announced its plan to test “flying taxis and drones” during this Hajj season.
Saudi Minister for Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser spoke earlier this week about intense competition among transportation companies in the kingdom to provide the best traveling means to people. Previously, he also said the flying taxis and drones would be tested during Hajj to provide pilgrims with maximum comfort.
According to some reports, the Saudi Airlines was also considering plans to operate flying taxis to ferry Hajj pilgrims from the Jeddah airport to their hotels in Makkah.
“Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernizing the pilgrimage experience through innovative technology demonstrates their dedication to ensuring pilgrims’ comfort and convenience,” Muhammad Umar, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry, said.
Umar, who has remained closely involved in his country’s Hajj operations since 2009, also mentioned how the Saudi authorities had introduced various mobile applications to help pilgrims.
“I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and efforts of the Saudi government in facilitating the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims,” he added.
He also highlighted significant improvements in crowd management and the provision of enhanced facilities to pilgrims by Saudi authorities over the years.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime, if they are financially and physically able.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry. Of them, 63,805 pilgrims will be performing the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest would be accommodated by private tour operators.
Pakistan praises Saudi Arabia’s use of technology to enhance pilgrim experience with ‘flying taxis’
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Pakistan praises Saudi Arabia’s use of technology to enhance pilgrim experience with ‘flying taxis’
- Saudi authorities have announced plans to test ‘flying taxis and drones’ during this year’s Hajj season
- Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry says the kingdom has consistently increased its use of technology
Pakistan PM condoles death of Saudi Prince Mishaal bin Badr’s mother
- Saudi prince’s mother passed away on Saturday, drawing condolences from Pakistan, Qatar, other states
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia who enjoy close cooperation in defense, economic, trade, investment and other sectors
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his condolences to the Saudi royal family over the recent passing of Prince Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Saudi Royal Court announced the death of Prince Mishaal bin Badr’s mother on Saturday. Her funeral prayers were held a day later, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh after Asr prayers.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of the mother of Prince Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
He prayed for the highest rank in paradise for the departed and hoped the royal family would be able to bear the loss with fortitude.
“Our prayers are with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and the entire Royal Family in this moment of profound grief,” Sharif added.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies that cooperate in several sectors such as defense, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, mines and minerals and others. The two countries signed a landmark defense pact in September, according to which both agreed to treat an attack on one country as an attack against both of them.
Apart from being a vital trade ally, Saudi Arabia also serves as the top source for foreign remittances for Pakistan, where over 2 million expatriates reside.
