ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national air carrier announced a reduction in Umrah fares for pilgrims traveling to Madinah in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the discounted rates would be implemented immediately.
Thousands of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia each month to visit the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, making the kingdom a lucrative destination for the financially struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Earlier this month, PIA also disclosed plans to operate 171 flights to bring about 35,000 Hajj pilgrims back to Pakistan by July 21.
“PIA announces reduction in Umrah fares,” the airline announced in a statement. “Umrah pilgrims traveling from Pakistan to Madinah will benefit from discounted fares.”
“The round-trip Umrah fare from Karachi to Madinah will be Rs76,000 excluding taxes,” it continued. “From Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan and Sialkot to Madinah, the round-trip fare has been set at 86,000 excluding taxes.”
The statement added the facility to travel from Pakistan at discounted fares would remain effective until July 15.
PIA slashes Umrah fares to Madinah until July 15
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PIA slashes Umrah fares to Madinah until July 15
- The round-trip Umrah fare from Karachi to the Saudi holy city will be Rs76,000 without taxes
- Umrah pilgrims flying from other Pakistani airports will pay Rs86,000 excluding relevant taxes
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Kuwait, urges dialogue as Iran war spreads
- Ishaq Dar speaks with Kuwait’s foreign minister after Iranian attacks target the Gulf state
- They discuss matters before Security Council where Pakistan is a non-permanent member
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed solidarity with Kuwait and called for dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East after attacks linked to the ongoing Iran war struck the Gulf state, the foreign office said on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveyed the message during a phone call with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as Kuwait grapples with missile and drone attacks linked to the widening regional conflict.
Iranian strikes targeting US military facilities in the Gulf have spilled into several states including Kuwait, raising security concerns across the region and prompting governments to step up air defenses.
“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke late last night with H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a statement posted on social media.
“They expressed deep concern over regional developments, including attacks on Kuwait. DPM/FM conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation to promote peace and stability in the region.”
The two officials also exchanged views on issues under discussion at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan is currently serving as a non-permanent member for the 2025–2026 term. They also reaffirmed the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Kuwait.
Tensions in the Gulf have surged since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, diminishing prospects of a diplomatic settlement to Tehran’s long-running dispute with Western countries and Israel over its nuclear program.
Iran subsequently said it was targeting American military bases in Gulf states, prompting condemnations from these countries, which said several strikes had hit civilian infrastructure.
Pakistan condemned both the initial strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region, urging all sides to halt hostilities.
