Pakistani Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan thanked the Saudi leadership and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for their effort to resolve the Kashmir issue, which had been a sticking point in the Indo-Pak ties.
“The Kashmir issue is very important and we’ll do our best to get freedom for Kashmiris,” he said during the celebration of the Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) at the Pakistani Embassy.
Yunus Molan, chairman of the Kashmir Committee in World Assembly of Muslim Youth, attended the program as chief guest. A large number of Pakistani community, embassy officials, businessmen, journalists and intellectuals were also present.
India alone has an estimated 600,000 troops in the part it controls, four times the number of American soldiers who were in Iraq at the height of that war.
“Kashmir is a unique militarized zone in the world, the Kashmiri issue is the oldest on the UN agenda. For every 20 Kashmiris, India has deployed one soldier,” he said.
In accordance with the Kashmir Day, a solidarity resolution was read out by Asif Qureshi, expressing solidarity with Kashmiris requesting the international community to take notice of the atrocities committed against them.
The resolution demanded that India to resolve the Kashmir problem according to UN resolution as pledged by India on the international level. It was adopted, calling on UN to implement Security Council resolution on Kashmiri issue according to the aspirations of the people.
“The dream of achieving peace in Asia can never be fulfilled until the Kashmiri issue is resolved. The Indian government should eradicate the laws against human rights and add fair elections in Kashmir as promised,” the resolution said.
Well-known speakers during the event included Ahmad Nawaz Baksh, a Saudi journalist; Abdul Malik Mujahid, chief of Darrusalam publishing house; and community leaders Khalid Akram Rana, Ehsan Danish, Mohammad Rafique, Qari Abdul Basit, Fayyaz Ali Khan, Zishan Akhter and Gulam Nabi.
Baksh said, “Kashmiris should utilize all their available modern sources to highlight their issue on international level.
Over 100,000 Kashmiris had been killed by Indian troops so far in the Indian-held Kashmir. He expressed sympathy for Kashmiris and emphasized the need to continue raising the issue on different forums.
Mujahid appealed to the international community and the UN to implement Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and stop human rights violation. He stressed on the world community to help Kashmiris in their fight for freedom.
The other speakers said that the solution through peaceful means is inevitable for tranquility of South Asia. The meeting concluded with prayers for the liberation and prosperity of Kashmir.
Kingdom’s stand on Kashmir issue commended
Kingdom’s stand on Kashmir issue commended
Saudi crown prince, Canadian prime minister discuss bilateral relations
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shared a call on Thursday and discussed bilateral relations.
They discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries, and opportunities to develop and enhance it in all fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The pair also reviewed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing on the need for sustainable peace in the region.
Carney was victorious in a May election after taken over as prime minister in March following the resignation of his predecessor Justin Trudeau.
The crown prince and Carney discussed energy security and deepening trade between Riyadh and Ottawa, according to a readout from the Canadian premier’s office.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact, it read.
Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims
- Makkah-based institute plays significant role in developing Hajj experience under Saudi Vision 2030
- One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, says official
MAKKAH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the experience of Hajj, a specialized institute at Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University is training thousands of professionals to work with the millions of pilgrims expected to travel to the two holy cities.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research plays a significant role in national development efforts under Vision 2030.
Director Khalid Al-Ghamdi spoke to Arab News about how the institute is working to improve the experience of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
“The institute remains a key driver in enhancing the pilgrimage experience through applied research and strategic capacity building,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.
“As an advanced scientific arm, it plays a vital role in improving the efficiency and safety of services at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.”
HIGHLIGHTS
The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.
Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.
The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.
One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, Al-Ghamdi said.
Carried out annually during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, these studies document and analyze real-time challenges in key areas such as crowd movement, transport flow, environmental hazards, emergency response and overall efficiency.
He added that the outcomes of these studies serve as a vital technical reference for authorities, offering data-driven recommendations that support more effective planning for future seasons — a crucial function as crowds throng at holy sites in high temperatures.
The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.
Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.
The institute also operates in close coordination with various government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense and the Transport Authority, to align its training with official guidelines.
Al-Ghamdi also discussed the institute’s advisory role in shaping regulatory and operational frameworks for Hajj and Umrah services.
The advisory role includes evaluation studies and environmental impact assessments, which inform strategic decisions on infrastructure development and service quality enhancement.
The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.
Its research priorities are uniquely tailored, setting it apart from its international counterparts through a specialized focus on the Hajj, the holy sites, the two holy cities and related areas including urban planning, environmental sustainability and humanitarian services.
Additionally, Umm Al-Qura University offers academic programs in medicine and administration, specifically designed to prepare students for managing the unique operational demands of the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties
- Message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov
RIYADH: King Salman received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.
The two officials reviewed Saudi-Russian relations and discussed regional and international developments, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts on key issues, SPA added.
Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims
- Premium amenities on offer for ease, safety, accessibility
- Hajj operators say VIP packages within Islamic guidelines
JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.
Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.
Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.
“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.
“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”
These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.
“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”
Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.
“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.
Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.
“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.
“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”
To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.
Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.
Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.
“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”
These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.
Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year
RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer’s Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah’s efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year.
He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.
