ISLAMABAD/RIYADH: The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) met in Islamabad on Tuesday to boost economic, investment and trade cooperation.
Attendees included senior officials from ministries of both countries, and the Saudi delegation was led by Commerce and Investment Minister Majid Al-Qassabi, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Faisal said.
Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh, Khan Hasham bin Saddique, told Arab News: “The meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission signifies the continued and close ties of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
The JMC was an important platform to review, deepen and diversify bilateral relations, in particular trade, investment and cultural relations, he said. It provided an overarching framework for progress on a short- and long-term basis.
“As Saudi Arabia successfully implements its Vision 2030 and Pakistan is set to accrue a huge developmental boost as a result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), both countries have much to gain from their close collaboration,” he said.
Bin Saddique said that while the 11th session of the JMC was a continuation of close ties over decades, its timing, context and potential could turn it into a milestone event.
“We hope that through this forum, the two countries will be able to synergize their efforts to address their developmental needs,” he said. “The political will to do so already exists, as is evident from the high-level visits that have taken place in the recent past. Now it is up to the senior officials of the two countries to carry forward the vision of our leadership.”
Both sides agreed to simplify business-to-business interaction. Some 90 percent of Pakistan’s imports from Saudi Arabia are oil and petroleum products. Annual bilateral trade is around $2.5 billion, the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh said last year.
Economic cooperation on menu at Saudi-Pakistani Joint Ministerial Commission meeting
Economic cooperation on menu at Saudi-Pakistani Joint Ministerial Commission meeting
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure
- As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year’s Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday.
As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage.
June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina.
Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services.
Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries.
In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta’ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites.
PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq
The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center.
Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a “very good” experience for Hajj.
“The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,” Taqi said.
Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: “The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn’t any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.”
He added: “Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.”
Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj.
He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: “I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.”
Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj.
Describing the services provided to the group, he said: “We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.”
He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, “who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.”
Al-Wishah added: “May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.”
Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place.
Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: “I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.”
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7.
In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year’s Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out.
The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah.
The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry’s various medical centers.
Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim
- After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely
MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.
She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.
After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.
Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.
This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.
Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha
- Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals
MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.
Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.
For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.
Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza
- Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina
MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.
He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.
“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”
The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.
“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.
“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.
“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”
MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister
- They discussed a variety of topics of common interest
RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
