ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced to start Pakistan’s post-Hajj operations on Wednesday while applauding the Saudi government for making “exemplary” arrangements for pilgrims even in scorching heat.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, took place during this week, with over 1.5 million people from across the world performing its rituals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Muslims across the world also celebrated Eid Al-Adha for three days after the pilgrims spent a day in Arafat where they also attended the Hajj sermon.
“Despite the severe heat, the Saudi government’s Hajj arrangements were exemplary,” Hussain said during a consultation meeting at the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah. “We are starting the post-Hajj operation.”
The meeting reviewed the overall situation during the annual Islamic pilgrimage this year.
The Pakistani minister pointed out the Saudi authorities had taken several measures to mitigate the heat by setting up water sprinklers and a distribution system for cold water and beverages.
He also noted that mobile health units and dispensaries had been established in all the major areas to ensure the health of the pilgrims.
Hussain responded to reports of the absence of Pakistani Hajj assistants in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah by saying the assistants were present at specific intersections but had to move due to overcrowding in the area.
As the rush normalized, however, he said they were sent back again to guide Pakistani pilgrims.
The meeting highlighted the importance of comprehensive training to deal with the rush of transport in the holy sites, the possibility of losing the way and coping with the severity of the weather.
Pakistan praises Saudi officials for ‘exemplary’ Hajj arrangements amid scorching heat
https://arab.news/ww76m
Pakistan praises Saudi officials for ‘exemplary’ Hajj arrangements amid scorching heat
- Chaudhry Salik Hussain says Saudi authorities had set up water sprinklers, arranged for distribution of beverages
- He says there were mobile health units and dispensaries in all the major areas to ensure the health of pilgrims
Pakistan cricket players to gather at Times Square today as PCB courts global PSL investors
- PCB is targeting US, Middle Eastern and European investors, aims to expand PSL from six to eight franchises next season
- The board has extended the bidding deadline to Dec. 22, citing increased international interest after the London roadshow
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket players are scheduled to gather at Times Square in New York today, Sunday, as part of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) fan engagement event, as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) pushes to raise the league’s global profile and attract foreign investors.
The event comes days after the PCB held a PSL roadshow in London and as it seeks investors for two additional franchises ahead of the league’s 11th edition, set to be played in April and May next year. The board is aiming to expand the PSL from six teams to eight amid what it has described as growing international interest.
“Pakistan cricket team players, along with the HBL PSL Trophy, will be present at Times Square at 5:30 pm, offering fans a special opportunity to celebrate the global spirit of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” the PCB said in a statement released Saturday.
“Pakistan cricket and HBL PSL fans in New York are invited to join this unique fan engagement moment,” it added.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in New York to attend the event, according to the board.
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, said the deadline to submit bids for the two new PSL teams has been extended until Dec. 22 to accommodate heightened interest from investors in the US, Middle East and Europe.
Earlier this week, the PSL roadshow in London featured former Pakistan cricket stars Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, alongside current players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The players spoke about their careers and the role the PSL has played in developing Pakistan’s cricketing talent.
Launched in 2016, the PSL has grown into Pakistan’s flagship T20 competition, featuring a mix of local and international players.
The league now competes for global viewership with tournaments such as the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, England’s Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League.
