Makkah: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has emphasized the cordial, long-standing, and historic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Speaking to Radio Pakistan in Makkah, he highlighted the strong bond grounded in shared Islamic values, which continues to grow stronger each day.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister praised the exceptional arrangements made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah for the pilgrims. He underscored the Saudi leadership’s efforts to ensure the comfort, safety, and well-being of all Hajj participants.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations set by Saudi authorities, designed to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Hajj. He also urged the Hujjaj to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity in Pakistan, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for the oppressed Muslims in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing regional tensions, the Minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace, cautioning that this should not be interpreted as weakness. He commended the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, noting their prompt response to Indian aggression, and affirmed the nation’s steadfast support for its military in defending the country.

Radio Pakistan correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema reported from Makkah that the Minister visited various sections of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission. He was briefed by Director Medical Mission Colonel Shaheer Jamal on the facilities provided to pilgrims. Sardar Yousaf also inspected camps in Mina set up by Saudi company Al Rajhi for Pakistani pilgrims and expressed satisfaction with the services offered.

On this occasion, he reiterated the government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities to the pilgrims, emphasizing that no laxity would be tolerated. Accompanying the Minister were DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director Makkah Aziz-ullah Khan, Chief Coordinator Dr Mirza Ali Mehsud, Coordinator Zulfiqar Khan, and other officials.