ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned authorities on Monday against neglecting their duties related to this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, instructing them to provide the best possible facilities to pilgrims.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj agreement 2025 this month, according to which 179,210 pilgrims from the South Asian country would perform the annual pilgrimage in 2025. The quota for pilgrims is divided equally between government and private schemes. 

Sharif chaired a review meeting on Hajj preparations in Islamabad on Monday during which he was briefed on measures taken by the government related to the pilgrimage so far. Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and other senior officials also participated in the meeting. 

“No negligence will be tolerated in preparations for Hajj 2025,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “All necessary assistance and facilities will be ensured for Hajj pilgrims in Hajj 2025.”

The Pakistani premier directed authorities to ensure transparency and merit in selecting Hajj assistants or moavineen, the statement said. He demanded a detailed briefing on Hajj assistants’ responsibilities and the process through which they are appointed. 

“Pilgrims should be provided with the best training facilities for Hajj 2025,” Sharif said, adding that special attention should be given to their accommodation, travel and other facilities. 

Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2025 allows pilgrims to make payments in installments for the first time. Under this scheme, the first installment of Rs 200,000 ($717) is to be submitted with the application, the second installment of Rs 400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of the balloting and the remaining amount is due by Feb.10 this year.

On Jan. 17, the Pakistani Religious Affairs Ministry began mandatory training sessions for Pakistani nationals selected to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage under the government scheme. It also launched the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application, available for both Android and iPhone users, to assist pilgrims. 

Additionally, the government reduced airfare for pilgrims, lowering ticket prices to Rs 220,000 ($785.41) from last year’s Rs 234,000 ($835.39). Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines and private carriers will be responsible for transporting pilgrims this year.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports to Europe have surged to $3.8 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year, state-run media reported on Monday, marking an increase of 8.62 percent compared to the same period last year. 

The European Union (EU) is Pakistan’s second most important trading partner, accounting for over 14 percent of Pakistan’s total trade and absorbing 28 percent of Pakistan’s total exports. Pakistani exports to the EU are dominated mostly by textiles and clothing.

Pakistan avails the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP)+ status, a special trade arrangement offered by the EU to developing economies in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection and governance.

The current GSP framework came to an end in December 2023 but Members of EU Parliament (MEPs) voted in October to extend the current rules on the scheme for another four years for developing countries, including Pakistan. 

“Pakistan’s exports to Europe surged to 3.8 billion dollars, reflecting an 8.62 percent increase in the first five months of current fiscal year,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.

It said the growth in exports was driven by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a Pakistani hybrid civil-military body, in the sectors of textiles, leather, garments, sports goods and surgical instruments.

Pakistan’s government formed the SIFC in June 2023 to promote business opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, mining, information technology and defense, and attract foreign investment. 

The SIFC has targeted mainly Gulf countries in its attempt to revitalize Pakistan’s economy and ensure it heads toward sustainable growth in the years to come. The council was set up in 2023 as Pakistan faced tough economic challenges amid dwindling forex reserves and a rapidly depreciating national currency.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has repeatedly stressed the importance of shifting Pakistan’s economy from an import-dependent one toward an export-led one, saying that without it sustainable economic growth is difficult to achieve. 

In recent months, Pakistan has vigorously pursued economic and investment deals with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and bilateral trade cooperation with Central Asian states, Russia and others.