Pilgrims from 100 Countries Welcomed in Makkah

Wed Jun 04 2025
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Pilgrims
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Key points

  • Pilgrims are receiving comprehensive services provided by Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance
  • Pilgrims express gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for hosting them to perform Hajj
  • Pilgrims performed Umrah smoothly and with ease and tranquility in a calm, peaceful atmosphere

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has announced the completion of the arrival of pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation at their accommodation sites in Makkah, where they are receiving comprehensive services provided by the ministry, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Fifth pillar of Islam

The SPA reported that upon arrival, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 nations performed Umrah smoothly and with ease and tranquility in a calm, peaceful atmosphere, grateful to be chosen this year to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, visit the Two Holy Mosques, and explore historical and archaeological sites, museums, and exhibitions designed to enrich their spiritual experience.

Pilgrims

The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for hosting them to perform Hajj.

Pilgrims

Pilgrims

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WASHINGTON: Pakistan has expressed deep concern over India’s use of a nuclear-capable missile during a recent clash, warning that such actions have heightened the risk of future conflicts spiralling out of control in South Asia. In an interview with Bloomberg in Washington, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari — who is heading a high-level parliamentary delegation — said India’s deployment of a nuclear-capable missile had dangerously lowered the threshold for military engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “This precedent makes the regional situation far more precarious,” Bhutto Zardari said. “In any future conflict, both countries could escalate far too quickly for any international partner to intervene effectively.” He warned that such escalation could happen without warning, leaving little room for diplomacy or restraint. “Pakistan is deeply concerned that in the event of a next crisis, the speed at which both sides climb the escalation ladder could be unprecedented.” Calling for a return to meaningful diplomacy, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position in favour of comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. “Our principled stance remains unchanged: dialogue is essential for peace and stability in the region,” he said. Criticising the Modi government’s current approach, Bilawal described it as dangerously provocative. “Their so-called ‘new normal’—what we call an abnormal—is that any terrorist incident anywhere in India, or in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, can lead to immediate escalation without even a shred of evidence. An accusation alone is enough to justify full-blown military action against Pakistan.” Following engagements in Washington and New York, the high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by Bhutto Zardari, is expected to continue its diplomatic outreach with visits to key European capitals, including London and Brussels. Engaging key US lawmakers Meanwhile, the delegation conducted a series of meetings with US lawmakers on Capitol Hill. It with a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, including a key meeting with the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Congressmen Jack Bergman and Tom Suozzi. During these discussions, Bilawal Bhutto briefed the members on “India’s recent acts of unprovoked aggression, including the targeting of civilians and the deeply concerning, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a clear breach of international law.” He extended appreciation to the United States, particularly “President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and supporting efforts towards a ceasefire.” The former Foreign Minister emphasised that “sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on dialogue, restraint, and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, rather than unilateralism or intimidation.” In separate meetings with other influential members of Congress, the delegation also met individually with Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, also a Democrat, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia; Congressman Tom Kean, a Republican Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congressman John Moolenaar, a Republican Member of the House Appropriations Committee; Senator Jim Banks, a Republican Member of the Armed Services Committee; Senator Van Hollen, a Democrat; and Senator Cory Booker, also a Democrat. Throughout these engagements, the Pakistani delegation reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and recent Indian aggression. They reaffirmed “Pakistan’s commitment to peace, responsible conduct, and rejection of baseless allegations.” The delegation underscored “the urgency of dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, an unfinished agenda of the United Nations,” and stressed the imperative of “respect for international law, UNSC resolutions, and the Indus Waters Treaty, a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, now threatened by the dangerous precedent of weaponization of water.” Chairman Bhutto stressed the importance of trade among countries, calling it “a bridge for constructive engagement and the betterment of our people.” Members of Congress welcomed the Pakistani delegation, urging both countries to demonstrate restraint and prioritise regional peace and stability, according to the press release. They reiterated the US support for the people of Pakistan and its commitment to aiding the country’s economic development. The delegation includes several prominent members of Pakistan’s Parliament and former senior officials, including Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik; Climate Change Committee Chair Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP), former Minister for Climate Change, and former Ambassador to the US Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (PML-N); Hina Rabbani Khar (MNA, PPP), Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister; Senator Faisal Sabzwari (MQM); Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense; Ambassador (r) Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary; and Tehmina Janjua, a former Foreign Secretary.

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WASHINGTON: Pakistan has expressed deep concern over India’s use of a nuclear-capable missile during a recent clash, warning that such actions have heightened the risk of future conflicts spiralling out of control in South Asia. In an interview with Bloomberg in Washington, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari — who is heading a high-level parliamentary delegation — said India’s deployment of a nuclear-capable missile had dangerously lowered the threshold for military engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “This precedent makes the regional situation far more precarious,” Bhutto Zardari said. “In any future conflict, both countries could escalate far too quickly for any international partner to intervene effectively.” He warned that such escalation could happen without warning, leaving little room for diplomacy or restraint. “Pakistan is deeply concerned that in the event of a next crisis, the speed at which both sides climb the escalation ladder could be unprecedented.” Calling for a return to meaningful diplomacy, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position in favour of comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. “Our principled stance remains unchanged: dialogue is essential for peace and stability in the region,” he said. Criticising the Modi government’s current approach, Bilawal described it as dangerously provocative. “Their so-called ‘new normal’—what we call an abnormal—is that any terrorist incident anywhere in India, or in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, can lead to immediate escalation without even a shred of evidence. An accusation alone is enough to justify full-blown military action against Pakistan.” Following engagements in Washington and New York, the high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by Bhutto Zardari, is expected to continue its diplomatic outreach with visits to key European capitals, including London and Brussels. Engaging key US lawmakers Meanwhile, the delegation conducted a series of meetings with US lawmakers on Capitol Hill. It with a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, including a key meeting with the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Congressmen Jack Bergman and Tom Suozzi. During these discussions, Bilawal Bhutto briefed the members on “India’s recent acts of unprovoked aggression, including the targeting of civilians and the deeply concerning, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a clear breach of international law.” He extended appreciation to the United States, particularly “President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and supporting efforts towards a ceasefire.” The former Foreign Minister emphasised that “sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on dialogue, restraint, and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, rather than unilateralism or intimidation.” In separate meetings with other influential members of Congress, the delegation also met individually with Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, also a Democrat, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia; Congressman Tom Kean, a Republican Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congressman John Moolenaar, a Republican Member of the House Appropriations Committee; Senator Jim Banks, a Republican Member of the Armed Services Committee; Senator Van Hollen, a Democrat; and Senator Cory Booker, also a Democrat. Throughout these engagements, the Pakistani delegation reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and recent Indian aggression. They reaffirmed “Pakistan’s commitment to peace, responsible conduct, and rejection of baseless allegations.” The delegation underscored “the urgency of dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, an unfinished agenda of the United Nations,” and stressed the imperative of “respect for international law, UNSC resolutions, and the Indus Waters Treaty, a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, now threatened by the dangerous precedent of weaponization of water.” Chairman Bhutto stressed the importance of trade among countries, calling it “a bridge for constructive engagement and the betterment of our people.” Members of Congress welcomed the Pakistani delegation, urging both countries to demonstrate restraint and prioritise regional peace and stability, according to the press release. They reiterated the US support for the people of Pakistan and its commitment to aiding the country’s economic development. The delegation includes several prominent members of Pakistan’s Parliament and former senior officials, including Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik; Climate Change Committee Chair Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP), former Minister for Climate Change, and former Ambassador to the US Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (PML-N); Hina Rabbani Khar (MNA, PPP), Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister; Senator Faisal Sabzwari (MQM); Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense; Ambassador (r) Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary; and Tehmina Janjua, a former Foreign Secretary.

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