ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Religion Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Thursday met Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah and thanked him for his “special attention” toward facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage, the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said.
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, of which around 70,000 people are performing the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest have used private tour operators.
During the meeting with the Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister, Hussain lauded the Saudi government for introducing innovation and new facilities in Hajj arrangements every year.
“We [only] desire best facilities for government and private pilgrims from Saudi authorities,” Hussain was quoted as saying by the Pakistani religion ministry.
“I am happy with the special attention of the Saudi Hajj minister for the convenience of Pakistani pilgrims.”
The Saudi minister said the Pakistan Hajj Mission will be provided all-possible support in Mina and Arafat, according to the Pakistani religion ministry.
He said authorities were encouraging private companies to ensure better facilities at these places.
Pakistan’s Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia started moving pilgrims to Mina late Thursday.
Hajj pilgrims gather in Mina for the first day of Hajj, where they spend time preparing spiritually before heading to the plain of Arafat.
The Day of Arafat is considered the most significant day of Hajj where pilgrims engage in deep prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
Following this, they proceed to Muzdalifah at night to collect pebbles, then move to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat, culminating with the celebration of Eid Al-Adha through the ritual of animal sacrifice.
Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Secretary Zulfiqar Haider, who was part of the meeting, said the two sides would have a “one-window” contact for the next year’s Hajj.
Religion minister thanks Saudi counterpart for facilitation of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims
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Religion minister thanks Saudi counterpart for facilitation of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims
- The statement came as Pakistan’s Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia started moving pilgrims to Mina late Thursday
- Pilgrims gather in Mina for the first day of Hajj, where they spend time preparing before heading to Arafat
Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure
- Both sign $330 million Power Transmission Strengthening Project and $400 million SOE Transformation Program loan agreements
- Economic Affairs Division official says Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening national grid’s backbone
KARACHI: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two loan agreements totaling $730 million to boost reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and energy infrastructure in the country, the bank said.
The first of the two agreements pertains to the SOE Transformation Program worth $400 million while the second loan, worth $330 million, is for a Power Transmission Strengthening Project, the lender said.
The agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Humair Karim.
“The agreements demonstrate ADB’s enduring commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan,” the ADB said.
Pakistan’s SOEs have incurred losses worth billions of dollars over the years due to financial mismanagement and corruption. These entities, including the country’s national airline Pakistan International Airlines, which was sold to a private group this week, have relied on subsequent government bailouts over the years to operate.
The ADB approved the $400 million loan for SOE reforms on Dec. 12. It said the program seeks to improve governance and optimize the performance of Pakistan’s commercial SOEs.
Karim highlighted that the Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from Pakistan’s upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions, the Press Information Department (PID) said.
“The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide,” the PID said.
The ADB has supported reforms by Pakistan to strengthen its public finance and social protection systems. It has also undertaken programs in the country to help with post-flood reconstruction, improve food security and social and human capital.
To date, ADB says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance totaling $43.4 billion to Pakistan.
