Tag: Hajj 2021

  • Public Accounts Committee summons religious affairs officials on lack of facilities for Hajj pilgrims

    Public Accounts Committee summons religious affairs officials on lack of facilities for Hajj pilgrims

    The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs on July 4, over lack of facilities provided to Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.

    Chairman Noor Alam Khan, while presiding over a PAC meeting, criticised the performance of Religious Affairs Minister Talha Mehmood, emphasising that being a minister requires effective performance, not just holding the position.

    Noor informed the committee that he had personally witnessed the plight of the pilgrims and had received videos and written complaints highlighting their difficulties.

    Noor Alam said that not a single complaint had been received during the tenure of the pervious minister, late Mufti Abdul Shakoor, who died in a car accident.

    “This year, the situation is totally messed up. The President and the Federal Minister Talha Mehmood have also gone for Hajj but pilgrims are suffering. The President and the Minister should see what the condition of the pilgrims is,” he added

  • Superstars share their precious Hajj experiences

    Superstars share their precious Hajj experiences

    Hajj 2021 is performed by 60,000 fortunate people only as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not allowed Hajj Pilgrims from outside the country due to the Corona pandemic. Foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia were allowed to perform the annual pilgrimage.

    On this sacred Islamic event, many big names and Pakistani superstars have shared their throwback pictures in heartwarming posts on their social media handles.

  • ‘Eid is not just about sacrificing animals, it’s about letting go of your ego’: Ahsan Khan

    ‘Eid is not just about sacrificing animals, it’s about letting go of your ego’: Ahsan Khan

    Ahsan Khan recently gained a critical appreciation for his performance in Qayamat opposite Neelam Munir and Amar Khan.

    The Udaari star posted a story on his official Instagram handle in which he shared his stance on the celebrations of Eid-ul-Azha festivities, “Eid is not just about sacrificing animals, it’s about letting go of your ego. Sacrificing what is dear to you in the way of Allah and experiencing a festival with family and loved ones.”

    On the work front, Khan will pair up with Mawra Hocane and Mashal Khan in the forthcoming drama Qissa Meherbano Ka.

  • 60,000 vaccinated residents to be allowed to perform Hajj

    60,000 vaccinated residents to be allowed to perform Hajj

    Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday it will allow 60,000 vaccinated residents of the kingdom to perform the annual Hajj.

    The Saudi Hajj Ministry said this year’s pilgrimage would be “open for nationals and residents of the kingdom, limited to 60,000 pilgrims,” according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

    The pilgrimage, scheduled to be held at the end of July, would be limited to those who have been vaccinated and are below 65 years of age with no chronic illnesses.

    It will be the second year in a row that the kingdom will host a reduced number of pilgrims for Hajj amid the coronavirus pandemic.

  • ‘Pakistan prepared to send limited Hajj pilgrims’

    ‘Pakistan prepared to send limited Hajj pilgrims’

    Saudi Arabia has not announced a Hajj policy yet, however, Pakistan has made complete arrangements to send limited pilgrims for Hajj, says Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Noorul Haq Qadri.

    In an interview with Ali Furqan on Voice of America (VOA), Qadri said that this year’s Hajj would be a bit expensive as compared to the last year due to COVID-19 SOPs, however, an exact estimate can only be made after the final announcement by Saudi Arabia regarding SOPs and number of pilgrims.

    It would not be possible for Saudi Arabia to make normal arrangements as there’s a little time left for Hajj. He said Saudi Arabia will be able to make limited arrangements, but it has not confirmed the number of pilgrims.

    Qadri told that the Pakistan government is in contact with Saudi authorities and Saudi Arabia also wanted to take major Muslim countries in confidence before a final decision. He said that Saudi Arabia was making strict SOPs for Hajj during the pandemic. Pakistan will be ensuring the application of these coronavirus SOPs.

    Read More: Saudi Arabia says COVID-19 vaccination is ‘must’ for 2021 Hajj

    He further added that all pilgrims would have to submit negative COVID-19 tests results before leaving Pakistan and after the arrival in Saudi Arabia, all pilgrims will have to self-isolate for three days. 

    A coronavirus test will also be compulsory on arrival in Madina from Makkah and on returning back to Makkah.

    Regarding the issue of Saudi Arabia’s not accepting the Chinese vaccine, the minister said, “Pakistan will convince Saudi Arabia to recognise Chinese vaccine as WHO has approved the Sinopharm vaccine of China and most Pakistanis have been administered with the Chinese vaccine.” 

    In the proposed Hajj policy, Saudi Arabia has recommended vaccines including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson’s.

  • Saudi Arabia says COVID-19 vaccination is ‘must’ for 2021 Hajj

    Saudi Arabia says COVID-19 vaccination is ‘must’ for 2021 Hajj

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has said that only people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to attend Hajj this year.

    “The COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory for those willing to come to Hajj and will be one of the main conditions [for receiving a permit],” read a statement signed by the Minister of Health.

    In 2020, the Kingdom reduced the number of pilgrims to around 1,000 to avoid the spread of the coronavirus barring Muslims from around the world from the rite for the first time in modern times.

    In the same notification, Saudi Minister of Health Dr Tawfiq al-Rabiah said the government must be prepared to “secure the manpower required to operate the health facilities in Mecca and Medina”.

    These facilities will be stationed at entry points for pilgrims, he said, in addition to a formation of a vaccination committee for pilgrims within Saudi Arabia.