ISLAMABAD: Pakistan kicked off its 33-day-long Hajj flight operation on Tuesday, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said, with flights departing from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta for the Saudi city of Madinah.
Over 89,000 pilgrims will travel under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s Hajj flight operations. They will travel to Makkah and Madinah via 342 flights in total, with the last one departing from Pakistan on May 31.
The first Hajj flight for this year, Pakistan International Airlines’ PK-713, departed under the Route to Makkah Initiative from Islamabad at 4:45am, carrying 442 pilgrims. The second flight left the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore at 8:30am, with 147 pilgrims aboard, according to the PAA. The third flight left Quetta with 151 pilgrims and the fourth from Karachi, carrying 285 pilgrims.
Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki bid farewell to the pilgrims in Islamabad. Yousaf advised Pakistani pilgrims to strictly adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws and respect the local culture during the annual Islamic pilgrimage and said he would “soon” travel to Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements.
“As Hajj pilgrims, you are traveling to the sacred land as the guests of Allah and ambassadors of Pakistan, and you are urged to respect the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia,” the minister said in a televised address.
“I will take every possible measure to resolve the issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and will personally be among them to provide facilities.”
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to streamline immigration processes by enabling pilgrims to complete official travel formalities at their departure airports. Initially tested in Islamabad in 2019, the program was later expanded to Karachi, benefitting tens of thousands of Pakistani travelers. This saves pilgrims several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom, as they can simply enter the country without having to go through immigration again.
Around 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the initiative this year. The scheme was launched in 2019 by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and has been implemented in five countries: Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco and Bangladesh.
A total of 28,400 pilgrims will leave for Saudi Arabia through 100 flights from the Islamabad airport, Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said. Seven special immigration counters have been set up at the Islamabad airport to facilitate pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative. The remaining 22,500 pilgrims will avail the scheme at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
This year’s annual pilgrimage will take place in June.
In Karachi, the departure ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General Muhammad bin Nasser Al-Subaie, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and senior officials from various airport agencies.
“Special arrangements were made at the airport for the pilgrims, including dedicated check-in counters, guidance services, and improved facilities to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience,” the PAA said.
“Officials extended their best wishes to the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. The Saudi consul general praised the excellent coordination and arrangements made for Hajj operations.”
Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare Khawaja Salman Rafique and Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail attended departure ceremonies in Lahore and Quetta, respectively.
Rafique appreciated efforts of the PAA and all concerned departments in ensuring a smooth conduct of Hajj operations and extended his heartfelt wishes to the pilgrims for a safe and peaceful journey.
Balochistan Director Hajj Ilyas Jaffar and representatives of other agencies were present alongside Balochistan Governor Mandokhail at the departure ceremony in Quetta.
“The Honourable governor and other dignitaries requested special prayers for the prosperity of Pakistan and the continued success of all institutions,” the PAA said.
Pakistani pilgrims depart from multiple cities as Islamabad begins Hajj flight operation
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Pakistani pilgrims depart from multiple cities as Islamabad begins Hajj flight operation
- Over 89,000 pilgrims will travel under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s Hajj flight operation
- They will travel to Makkah, Madinah via 342 flights, with the last one departing from Pakistan on May 31
Pakistan PM summons National Security Committee meeting as Middle East tensions surge
- Chaired by the prime minister, NSC is the principal decision-making body on Pakistan’s national security matters
- Experts warn Pakistan, which shares a porous border with Iran, may face security, economic challenges as conflict worsens
KARACHI: Pakistan’s premier Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) today, Monday, an official of the Prime Minister House confirmed amid surging tensions in the Middle East following the United States’ (US) involvement in the Iran-Israel military conflict.
The NSC is the principal decision-making body on Pakistan’s national security matters. Chaired by the prime minister, it comprises the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, finance, interior, information and senior military leadership.
The meeting will take place a day after US targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, joining Israel in its military conflict against Iran which began on June 13. Israel had launched strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites and targeted its military leadership, saying its attack intended to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
“This [NSC meeting] is to happen today,” the official confirmed to Arab News, adding that a statement about the meeting will be released as well.
The development takes place a day after Pakistan’s mission to the United Nations (UN) announced Islamabad, Beijing and Moscow will present a joint resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.
As per a copy of the draft seen by Arab News, the resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue to reach an agreement acceptable to all parties that “guarantees the exclusively peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for complete lifting of all multilateral and unilateral sanctions.”
Pakistan has condemned the US strikes against Iran, with its UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling on the Security Council on Monday to act “urgently and decisively,” warning against the danger posed to the populations of the region as the war intensifies.
Experts warn Pakistan, which shares a 900-kilometer porous border with Iran in its southwestern region prone to separatist militancy and cross-border attacks, will face additional security and economic challenges due to the worsening conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Financial analysts have warned that surging global oil prices due to the worsening conflict will cause economic setbacks for Pakistan, which relies on expensive fuel imports for its energy demands. Islamabad is grappling with a macroeconomic crisis amid a precarious balance of payment position.
The crisis also raises questions about how Islamabad will navigate its delicate balancing act between Iran, other Gulf partners, and the US, which remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a critical source of military and economic assistance. How Pakistan manages these competing ties amid an escalating regional conflict could test its diplomacy in the coming weeks.
Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir to star alongside India’s Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’
- Dosanjh announces Sardaar Ji 3 will release on June 27 in theaters around the world except India
- Frequent political tensions between India and Pakistan prevent artists from working with each other
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir recently shared the trailer of her upcoming Indian Punjabi horror-comedy movie “Sardaar Ji 3” in which she stars alongside famed Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh, announcing that the film will release in cinemas around the world except India on June 27.
Frequent political tensions between bitter rivals India and Pakistan have restricted artists from both countries from working with each other over the years. Indian producers imposed an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in 2016 after ties deteriorated. Pakistan also banned the screening of Indian movies after relations with New Delhi reached a new low in 2019 over the disputed Kashmir region.
Tensions between India and Pakistan surged in May after they engaged in a days-long military conflict before the United States brokered a ceasefire between them. Several Indian media outlets reported this month that Aamir has been replaced as the female lead from Sardaar Ji 3 following the latest hostilities between the neighbors.
“SARDAAR JI 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only!” Aamir wrote on social media platform Instagram on Sunday, sharing the trailer of the film.
Dosanjh confirmed on his Instagram as well that the movie will not release in India.
“Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only,” the Indian actor wrote.
The movie has been directed by Aamr Hundal and other than Dosanjh and Aamir, stars Gulshan Grover, Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa and Manav Ji in prominent roles.
As per the film’s trailer, Aamir and Neeru Bajwa both play romantic leads opposite Dosanjh. All three work together as ghost hunters tasked with removing a spirit from a mansion in the UK.
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor’s Bollywood film “Abir Gulaal” was scheduled to release in India on May 9. However, India’s broadcasting ministry said in April it would not allow the film to be released in the country following the April 22 killing of 26 people at a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, which Islamabad denied. After weeks of tensions, both countries engaged in armed conflict before the ceasefire on May 10.
Pakistan urges UN Security Council to act ‘decisively’ as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies
- Middle East tensions surged on Sunday after US carried out airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities
- Pakistan calls for “peaceful, lasting resolution” to Iran’s nuclear issue via dialogue and diplomacy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations has urged the Security Council to act “urgently and decisively” to ensure cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, as tensions surge following Washington’s move to join the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
The international community has intensified its calls for peace in the Middle East after US carried out attacks against Iran’s key nuclear facilities on Sunday, joining Israel in the biggest Western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.
Pakistan’s UN mission announced on Sunday that Islamabad, Beijing and Moscow will present a joint resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. The announcement was made as the Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Pakistan has strongly condemned the American strikes, reiterating that Tehran reserves the right to respond under the UN Charter.
“As the body entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council must act urgently and decisively,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said during the Security Council emergency meeting.
He said it was the Security Council’s collective responsibility to reject and condemn attacks against Iran launched since June 13, stating that they were in “clear contravention” of international law and the UN Charter. The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed that it was the Security Council’s obligation to protect civilian lives and properties on both sides.
Ahmad called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a “complete ceasefire” in the Middle East.
“Promote urgent recourse to dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue,” the Pakistani ambassador said.
Iran on Sunday requested for the UN Security Council meeting, calling on the 15-member body “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms” following America’s strikes.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement on Sunday that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place.”
UN Secretary-General Guterres branded the US strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”
Iran’s UN Ambassador Ali Bahreini said Washington had decided to “destroy diplomacy” with its attacks, making it clear that the Iranian military will decide on the “timing, nature and scale” of its response.
Pakistan signs statute to strengthen labor, social protection collaboration among OIC members
- Pakistan signed statute during 51st session of OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, says deputy PM
- Many Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad, especially in Gulf countries, for better standard of living
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently announced Islamabad had signed the Statute of the Labour Center of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to strengthen collaboration among member states on labor, social protection and human development capital.
The OIC Labour Center is a strategic institution aimed at enhancing labor conditions, promoting employment opportunities and fostering social protection systems across member states. It emphasizes the crucial need to ensure decent work, sustainable social protection and poverty reduction within OIC member states, in alignment with the objectives of the organization’s charter.
In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Dar announced he had signed the statute at the OIC’s 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul from June 21-22.
“This statute is an important step toward strengthening collaboration among OIC Member States on labor, employment, social protection, and human capital development,” the deputy prime minister wrote.
A significant number of Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad for a better standard of living as the country grapples with macroeconomic challenges. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries are key destinations for Pakistan’s skilled and unskilled workers, whose remittances are vital for the cash-strapped country.
Pakistan’s state media reported in April that the country sent 151,120 skilled laborers to Gulf countries in the first three months of 2025. Senior Pakistani officials have repeatedly spoken of the need to bridge the skills gap and enhance global competitiveness of Pakistani workers, particularly in the Middle Eastern job market.
Pakistan sends approximately one million skilled workers abroad each year to help reduce unemployment and boost foreign exchange reserves through remittances.
High-level Saudi delegation in Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural relations
- The Saudi delegation will meet top Pakistani parliamentarians during the visit
ISLAMABAD: A high-level parliamentary delegation of the Saudi Shoura Council arrived in Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties between the two countries, the National Assembly of Pakistan said on Sunday.
The delegation, led by the Head of the Saudi-Pak Parliamentary Friendship Committee Dr. Abdulrahman bin Sanhat bin Abdullah Al-Harbi, is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
It comprises members of the Saudi Shoura Council and the Saudi-Pak Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jabreen and Engineer Salem bin Ali Al-Shahrani.
The delegates held a meeting with NA Speaker Sadiq in Islamabad, during which both sides agreed to promote parliamentary exchanges, according to a statement on the National Assembly of Pakistan’s Facebook page.
“The Pak-Saudi Friendship Group established in the National Assembly is playing an important role in promoting harmony between the parliaments of the two countries,” NA Speaker Sadiq was quoted as saying.
“Exchanges of parliamentary delegations will give the parliamentarians of both countries an opportunity to benefit from each other’s experiences.”
Dr. Abdulrahman said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan, according to the Pakistani National Assembly statement.
“During the meeting, discussions were held on the unity of the Muslim world, and joint role for peace and development in the region,” it read.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and brotherly relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.
Saudi Arabia has also extended significant support to Pakistan during prolonged economic challenges faced by Islamabad in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs.
