Tag: Saudia Arabia

  • Hajjis to get mobile sims and free internet

    Hajjis to get mobile sims and free internet

    Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed has said that the government will provide free-of-cost mobile SIMs with roaming internet packages for pilgrims, on Tuesday.

    He further stated that female abayas having a Pakistani flag on the backside and 13 Kg suitcases will also be provided to pilgrims performing hajj this year.

    The minister said that it was a historic step that the caretaker government has declared a significant reduction of one lac in government Hajj expenses, adding that a further Rs50,000 will also be reduced in the coming few days after which Hajjaj will get back their money in their accounts.

    He further revealed that a new mobile application has been designed to assist pilgrims, which will provide navigation support and enable constant communication between pilgrims and relevant officials.

    Initially available in English and Urdu, the application will later incorporate various regional languages, he said, adding that, the app will also provide digital training programs to every pilgrim.

    The minister also disclosed a project that the Ministry of Hajj in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has planned to convert city mosques into schools to enroll out-of-school children where the Imam of mosques will play a leading role.

    Minister said that mosques will play their role as community centers in every city area, adding that imams will resolve community issues as well after offering prayers.

    He said that the Ministry of Hajj is taking all four provinces on board and enhancing the connectivity of mosques.

    While describing another project, minister for religious affairs said that his ministry with the collaboration of health ministry has another project in which medical clinics will also be part of mosques.

    Lady health workers and other essential staff of doctors will also be provided in all masajid where they will facilitate to citizens visiting inside the masque of areas, he added.

  • Imran Khan recognized selecting Usman Buzdar as CM Punjab was mistake: Zulfi Bukhari

    Imran Khan recognized selecting Usman Buzdar as CM Punjab was mistake: Zulfi Bukhari

    In a candid discourse at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari, a close aide to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, publicly acknowledged that appointing Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister of Punjab was a monumental mistake for the party, as per Geo News.

    Speaking on the theme of “Democracy in Crisis,” organized by the SOAS Pakistan Discussion Forum, Bukhari delved into the intricacies of PTI’s nearly four-year tenure, addressing critical questions from the student audience.

    Bukhari disclosed that Imran Khan himself recognized the misstep in selecting Usman Buzdar for the pivotal role of Punjab Chief Minister.

    “There was Aleem Khan group and other power groups. There would have been a war within the PTI if Buzdar was removed and Imran Khan did the right thing by sticking to him, to avoid the war within,” said Bukhari.

    The former special assistant to the Prime Minister, now residing in London and active in advocating for Imran Khan’s case on international media, expressed his reservations about Buzdar’s performance.

    He asserted that Buzdar’s incapacity to deliver effectively was evident

    He said: “I don’t think he was a good chief minister and was able to perform and deliver. By the time calls against Buzdar grew after two years, it was too late and changing him after a year or two would have made the post a revolving door. Nobody would say Usman Buzdar was a good decision but we supported his decisions.”

    Addressing recent controversies, Bukhari distanced himself and PTI from Farah Gogi, best friend and confidante of former first lady Bushra Bibi. He emphasized that if allegations of Gogi’s corruption were true, she should face strict legal consequences.

    Responding to questions about Imran Khan’s defense of Gogi in the media, Bukhari clarified that Khan was unaware of Gogi’s business dealings and that investigating her was not within his purview.

    The former special assistant to PM also condemned the May 9 attacks on military installations.

    “We have condemned all forms of violence, especially the attack on Jinnah House which has a sacred value. We have always stood against violence. Ordinary people say things in the heat of emotions. It’s the job of the leadership to positively tunnel their emotions towards a democratic process to bring about a real change. We are the biggest stakeholder being the biggest political party and we will get more losses than others in any such scenario,” said Bukhari.

    Imran Khan’s former special assistant claimed that over 13,000 activists were arrested after May 9 and put in dire conditions but the rest have been released and around 7,000 remain in jails.

    Acknowledging PTI’s mistakes during their governance, Bukhari asserted that with a different leadership in place, those errors would not be repeated if given another chance.

    He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with all political parties, including PML-N and PPP, for the betterment of elections and democracy.

    “We want them to sit with us and talk about elections and democracy,” said the PTI leader.

    He also revealed that things were initially fine between PTI and the army but issues started later on.

    He said: “As far as General Bajwa is concerned, he could have suggested things to the PM and not dictate.”

    Answering a question, Bukhari said that two people closest to Imran Khan during the PTI govt were behind making a false case against him.

    “The Ring Road case against me was framed by two people who were then closest to Imran Khan: one of them (Azam Khan) has now become an approver against Khan and another (Shehzad Akbar) has left Pakistan. The purpose was to campaign against me. I resigned from my position and didn’t return to the government after that.”

  • Pakistani Hajjis to get special perks to make pilgrimage easier

    The Ministry of Religious Affairs has unveiled its Hajj policy for 2024, designed to bring a revolutionary transformation to the pilgrimage journey for Pakistani pilgrims.

    Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed announced this game-changing policy, which will be presented to the cabinet for approval within the next 10 days.

    The most striking feature is the introduction of a short Hajj option, where pilgrims have the flexibility to go for Hajj from 18 to 30 days, which empowers pilgrims to customise their journey as per their preference.

    QR codes for suitcases

    The new policy also introduces technological advances in which each Hajj pilgrim will be provided with two specially designed suitcases adorned with QR codes. These QR codes will contain essential information such as the pilgrim’s name, passport number, residence, school number, and other pertinent details. This innovation aims to streamline logistics and enhance security during the pilgrimage.

    Special Mobile Package

    In a significant step towards connectivity, the ministry has secured an agreement with a Saudi Arabian mobile phone company to offer a special mobile package exclusively for Hajj pilgrims. Priced at Rs 4,000, it enables pilgrims to make audio and video calls, ensuring they can stay in touch with their families back in Pakistan throughout their Hajj journey.

    Minister Aneeq Ahmed expressed his optimism about these advancements, stating, “Now Pakistani pilgrims will not be lost in the crowd. These changes are designed to simplify the Hajj experience, enhance communication, and provide pilgrims with peace of mind.”

    Additionally, the Saudi government has offered official residences for Pakistani pilgrims, further easing their accommodations during their sacred journey.

  • ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    After hashtags calling for the boycott of Indian products began trending on Twitter in Arab countries over derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, India’s ruling party suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal. The two also issued public apologies after the reaction from the Arab world. Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran have summoned Indian envoys while Saudi Arabia and  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued statements against the two BJP spokespersons.

    World should take note and severely reprimand India: Shehbaz Sharif

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the derogatory remarks recently made by two leaders of India’s BJP against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    PM Sharif wrote: “Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms and persecuting Muslims. The world should take note & severely reprimand India.”

    He added that Muslims’ love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is supreme and that all Muslims can sacrifice their lives for the love and respect of their Prophet (PBUH). 

    Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn blasphemous remarks by Indian officials

    The official media wing of the Pakistan army condemned the derogatory remarks of the BJP leaders. “The outrageous act is deeply hurtful and clearly indicates extreme level of hate against Muslims and other religions in India.”

    Indian chargé d’affaires summoned by Pakistan

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter and said, “Indian Cd’A summoned to convey Pakistan’s rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks by BJP officials against Prophet Muhammad PBUH. BJP leadership and GOI must condemn the sacrilegious comments and hold those responsible to account.”

    Pakistan condemns India

    Pakistan has strongly condemned the disrespectful remarks recently made by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

    “These totally unacceptable remarks have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but of billions of Muslims around the world,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world. Muslims residing in India are equally outraged by the completely repugnant comments by the two BJP officials. The ensuing communal violence in Kanpur and in other parts of India bears testimony to this fact.”

    Pakistan urged India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action is taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). India must also take immediate steps to protect its minorities from human rights violations, ensure their safety, security, and well-being and allow them to profess and practice their faiths in peace.

    “Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognisance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India. India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of the minorities, especially Muslims, to practice their faith and religious beliefs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.

    Arab world’s condemnation over derogatory remarks

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar summoned the Indian Ambassador and handed over an official note on Qatar’s total rejection and condemnation of the remarks of Sharma and Kumar.

    The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian ambassador and handed him an official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s rejection and denunciation of the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam, and Muslims.

    Saudi Arabia described the spokesperson’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”, according to a foreign ministry statement.

    The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the remarks, saying they came in a “context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.

  • PM Shehbaz might meet Turkish President Erdogan in Saudi Arabia

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is likely to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, states Geo News’ sources.

    Erdogan, who also reached KSA yesterday conveyed a message to PM Shehbaz to meet him. The message reads, “I would like to meet you.”

    The premier is on a three-day visit while the Turkish president is on a two-day visit. Shehbaz held a brief meeting with Madina’s governor, where both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations.

    Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said that the prime minister will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with a particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties, and creating greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in KSA.

    Erdogan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday to mend relations between the two countries in his first visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    It is pertinent to mention that ties between the two nations were strained after Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

  • Case of the 18 crore necklace: Could Khan and Zulfi be in trouble?

    Case of the 18 crore necklace: Could Khan and Zulfi be in trouble?

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has started investigation into the sale of an expensive state gift “necklace” the former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan received during his tenure.

    According to a report by 24 News, the necklace was gifted to Imran Khan during a visit to Saudi Arabia, but it was never sent to Tosha-khana (state gift repository). Rather, it was given to former special assistant Zulfi Bukhari, who sold it to a jeweller in Lahore for Rs180 million (Rs18 crore) ,” the report claimed.

    Reacting to the news, Bukhari denied the allegation and termed them lies. In a tweet, he said, “No necklace given or ever sold by me. Low blow attempt to discredit PM by a B grade media house. Surely you can do better than that 24 News.”

    The report, however, claimed that a small amount of money “few lac rupees” were submitted in the Tosha-khana record by the then government merely as an eye-wash.

    It is pertinent to mention that as per the law, state officials are required to submit the gifts they receive from dignitaries during official visit and submit these gifts in the state gift repository. The law makes the submission of officials gift or at least half of the amount of the gift worth mandatory.

    Last year, the Khan-led government denied giving out information about the exchange of gifts between Khan and other heads of state. The government said that some countries do not like disclosing their gifts so they are marked ‘classified’.

  • Salman, Shilpa, Guru bring Bollywood’s ‘singing and dancing’ to Saudi Arabia with ‘Da-Bangg tour’

    Bollywood star Salman Khan performed on Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a part of his Da-Bangg tour along with other actors including Shilpa Shetty, Jacqueline Fernandez, Prabhu Deva, Aayush Sharma and Saiee Manjrekar.

    Salman and his troupe’s power-packed performance saw a sea of fans attending the concert, making it a huge success.

    Maniesh Paul who is currently touring with the ‘Dabangg tour’ team shared a hilarious video of superstar Salman Khan preparing to take the centre-stage the International Arena in Boulevard, Riyadh. Taking to his Instagram handle, Maniesh shared a video that features him saying, “With the man himself Da Bang” while panning the camera towards Salman who runs away in order to not get captured.

    The two stars could be seen on the stage where the Dabangg tour will take place. A dance team could be seen rehearsing on the song ‘Chinta ta ta’ from the film Rowdy Rathore.

    The video received more than one lakh views and thousands of comments from the fans of the two stars.

    For the unversed, a team led by Salman Khan is all set to take centre-stage at the International Arena in Boulevard, Riyadh on December 9, Friday for the Dabangg Tour.  The star-studded tour will also feature Shilpa Shetty, Saiee Manjrekar, Sohail Khan, Prabhu Deva, Sunil Grover, Kamaal Khan, and Aayush Sharma.

    A day ago, Salman thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for welcoming them and giving an opportunity to Bollywood to conduct the concert.

  • 40 camels disqualified from beauty pageant for using botox

    A “beauty pageant” in Saudia Arabia has disqualified 40 camels from the contest after it emerged that their owners used botox and other cosmetic supplements to beautify the animals. The contest is a highlight of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, where $66m (£45m) in prize money is at stake.

    According to the report, camels are judged on the basis of physical attributes, including long droopy lips, a big nose and a nicely-shaped hump.

    Judges employed some advanced technology to figure out whether the animals are naturally beautiful or have their features been artificially enhanced, the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

    All the camels participating in the contest were first taken to a hall where professional experts inspected their external appearance and movements to check out if they were healthy.

    Later on, samples were taken from the animals for examination, while their torsos, necks, and heads were scanned with X-ray and 3D ultrasound machines.

    Twenty-seven contestants in the cup for Majaheim camels alone were unfit for having stretched body parts and 16 were put out for receiving injections, according to SPA. The owners of camels in Saudi Arabia have been caught enhancing their animals’ looks for a beauty contest.

    The organisers of the pageant, the Camel Club, mentioned that they were “keen to halt all acts of tampering and deception in the beautification of camels” and promising to “impose strict penalties on manipulators”.

    They described how Botox was injected into camels’ lips, noses, jaws and other parts of their heads to relax muscles; collagen fillers were used to make their lips and noses bigger; and hormones were given to boost muscle growth.

    Rubber bands were also used on animals to make body parts bigger than normal to stop the flow of blood, they said.

    Some 33,000 camel owners from as far away as the US, Russia and France are participating in the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which is the largest in the world and lasts 40 days.

    As many as 100,000 tourists are also expected daily at the event.