Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Annual Hajj Agreement for 2025

Jeddah, The Gulf Observer: The Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, officially signed the annual Hajj agreement for 2025 on Monday in Jeddah. The agreement paves the way for 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, with a commitment to providing enhanced facilities and support for their spiritual journey.

Under the agreement, Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from special accommodations in Mina at reduced rates. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah assured comprehensive support to ensure that all necessary facilities are made available to the pilgrims.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain is also scheduled to attend a four-day international Hajj conference and expo, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj in Jeddah. During the event, additional agreements with service providers and institutions responsible for Hajj operations will be finalized.

To further streamline the Hajj process, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has introduced a shorter Hajj program, lasting 20 to 25 days, similar to the previous year. Pilgrims can select accommodations in Madina for four to eight days. Each pilgrim will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and essential travel information.

Additionally, a dedicated mobile app will provide comprehensive updates and guidance to pilgrims, including Hajj group details, training schedules, flight information, accommodations in Saudi Arabia, and live maps of key sites during the pilgrimage.

During a preparatory meeting with Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain reviewed the arrangements for Hajj 2025 and commended the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their dedication to serving pilgrims.

Highlighting the enduring ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Chaudhry Salik Hussain stated, “Our historic and fraternal relationship is built on shared faith, history, and culture. There is immense potential to further strengthen economic and investment cooperation between our nations.”

Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving pilgrims from Pakistan, noting the strong bond between the two countries. “It is an honor to host a large number of Pakistani pilgrims each year. We assure our full cooperation in providing the best services,” he said.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, members of the Pakistani delegation, including Secretary of Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider, and senior officials from both sides.