ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani pilgrim couple celebrated the birth of a baby boy during this year’s Hajj and named him Muhammad, the Pakistani religion ministry said on Thursday.
The beautiful moment unfolded in the holy city of Madinah as the Pakistani couple from Balochistan welcomed the newborn, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.
The Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission in Madinah is ensuring both mother and baby received required medical attention, while officials from the Saudi Hajj ministry also visited the mission to celebrate the occasion.
“They (Saudi officials) warmly congratulated and blessed the newborn’s parents, sharing in their happiness,” the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said in a statement.
“During the ceremony, gifts were given to baby Muhammad and his delighted parents, marking the beginning of a blessed journey for the infant.”
Abdul Wahab Soomro, a senior Pakistani Hajj official, expressed his best wishes to the family on the occasion.
“This joyful event will remain a cherished memory for the proud parents, connecting them deeply to the holy city of Madinah,” he was quoted as saying.
“Such moments reflect the unity, hope, and renewal that define this sacred journey for millions worldwide.”
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. At least 160,000 Pakistanis attended this year’s annual pilgrimage, which ran from June 14 till June 19.
The post-Hajj flight operation by the Pakistani government is currently underway to bring back these Pakistanis.
Pakistani pilgrim couple welcomes baby boy during Hajj 2024
https://arab.news/ywxvn
Pakistani pilgrim couple welcomes baby boy during Hajj 2024
- The baby was born in Madinah to pilgrim couple from Pakistan’s Balochistan province
- Pakistani religion ministry says Saudi Hajj officials visited mission to celebrate the occasion
Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe
- Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
- The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.
Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.
The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.
“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.
