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Pakistan Pavilion at ISB int’l festival attracts visitors

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels on Sunday participated in International School of Brussels (ISB) festival with a uniquely designed Pakistani pavilion.

The ISB international festival is an annual celebration showcasing diverse cultures and traditions from around the world.

The diverse student community of the school actively participated with 100 countries represented in the event with their distinctive displays, a press release said.

On the occasion, Pakistan Ambassador to Belgium Amna Baloch said that the international festival served as a wonderful platform to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, and the warm hospitality of their people.

“It is heartening to see such enthusiasm and interest in our culture from the international community,” she added.

Pakistan Pavilion at ISB int’l festival attracts visitors

Visitors deeply appreciated the Pakistani cuisine and the beautiful artefacts displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion, making it one of the highlights of the festival.

The event provided an opportunity to present rich heritage, cultural diversity, tourism, and export potential of the country.

These displays included artefacts, handicrafts, traditional costumes, and photographs.

A selection of books and documentaries on tourism and culture in Pakistan provided visitors with a unique insight into the country’s rich history, traditions, and tourism potential.

Traditional Pakistani street food was a major attraction, drawing a large number of visitors, who enjoyed delicacies such as Biryani, samosas, gulab jamun, and the special Pakistani chai.

The pavilion also featured a Henna (Mehndi) corner, offering intricate and beautiful designs for those seeking a more immersive cultural experience.

Particular interest was taken in Made in Pakistan sports items i.e. football and cricket kits. Children and parents took special pictures with the World Cup Football on the Pakistan stall.

Saudi Authority unveils operational plan for Hajj season 1445 AH

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Saudi Authority
ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of Two Holy Mosques has announced that all facilities are ready to welcome pilgrims.
The authority reiterated the readiness of all facilities and services, which function at the highest level and enjoy advanced infrastructure.
These include cooling and air conditioning systems, fans, audio and visual systems, as well as the door systems of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. Escalators and elevators, means of transportation within the Two Holy Mosques, and special pathways for pilgrims are also prepared.
The area around the Grand Mosque has been arranged to facilitate the move of electric vehicles for Tawaf and Sa’i, and bathrooms and ablution areas have been prepared for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The Department of Services and Systems at the Two Holy Mosques operates round the clock to ensure a spiritual environment for pilgrims, so that they may perform their rituals with ease, and to maintain a steady supply of Zamzam water to the two holy mosques.
To enrich the experience of the pilgrims, exhibitions, including virtual, introduce them to the landmarks of the two holy mosques, offering educational content to deepen religious understanding and enhance the spiritual and emotional connection to the two holy mosques.
The authority has mobilized 5,138 workers to ensure the daily cleaning and disinfection of the Grand Mosque, under the supervision of 400 employees operating 24 hours a day. This is carried out with the help of 4,000 pieces of modern equipment and machinery.
Moreover, 68 screens have been prepared providing guidance in 53 languages, while lessons and sermons are translated in 10 languages.
The authority has also prepared 140 doors to facilitate entry and exit at the Grand Mosque during the Hajj season, and operates 251 golf carts, all part of the operational plan for Hajj season 1445 AH. Some 10,000 manual carts are available at 20 sites throughout the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.
The authority has also prepared 20,000 Zamzam containers, as well as 3,442 bathrooms which are cleaned and sterilized daily.

Government Hajj Scheme: Pre-Hajj flight operation to conclude on Monday

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NNPS Desk
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By Muhammad Aslam

MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, Jun 9 (APP): A month-long pre-Hajj flight operation, which began on May 9 to transport around 70,105 from major cities of Pakistan to holy cities of Madinah and Makkah under the government scheme, would complete with the arrival of the last flight at the King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah on Monday morning.

As per the schedule, a copy of which is available with APP, a Saudi Airlines SV-3727 would leave Islamabad International Airport for Jeddah at 3 a.m. (PST) carrying 380 passengers – the last batch of Pakistani intending pilgrims under the government scheme.

This year, 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform the religious obligation of Hajj, with 70,000 arriving under the government scheme and around 90,000 through private Hajj Groups Organizers (HGOs).

Official statistics indicate that around 63,321 pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia under the private scheme, with the remaining individuals expected to arrive before the start of Hajj on June 14, the 8th of Zilhajj.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires every financially and physically able adult Muslim to undertake the pilgrimage to Makkah’s holy Islamic sites at least once in their lifetime.

As the Saudi government finalizes preparations for Hajj 2024, over 1.9 million pilgrims worldwide, including 160,000 from Pakistan, are expected to perform the pilgrimage this year.

With the Saudi government’s elaborate preparations in place, the stage is set for a spiritual journey of a lifetime for the pilgrims, during which they would be communing with Allah Almighty seeking forgiveness for their sins and invoking His blessings.

President expresses grief over shahadat of security forces personnel

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NNPS Desk
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President Zardari

ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday expressed grief over shahadat of personnel of security forces who lost their lives after their vehicle reportedly hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in District Lakki Marwat.

The president paid tribute to the martyred Jawans of Pakistan Army and prayed for the high ranks of the departed souls, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

He also condemned the IED attack by the terrorists and reiterated the resolve of the entire nation to root out the cancer of terrorism.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices and valour of shaheed Jawans, the president said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its sons and Shuhada and expressed condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for them to bear the losses with fortitude.

Ashrafi urges pilgrims to avoid political, sectarian activities, backs Saudi Arabia’s Fatwa on Hajj regulations

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NNPS Desk
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By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Sunday underscored the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Hajj as a purely religious duty and urged pilgrims to refrain from engaging in political and sectarian activities during their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

In a media talk, he specifically advised pilgrims to avoid carrying political flags, banners, or pictures, and to steer clear of political gatherings or communal debates.

Ashrafi emphasized that adherence to Saudi laws and regulations was crucial for a successful and respectful pilgrimage.
Highlighting the scale of this year’s pilgrimage, he mentioned that between 68,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and an additional 90,000 private pilgrims were expected to perform Hajj. He noted that all operations related to Hajj would be completed by June 12.

He also reminded prospective pilgrims that performing Hajj required official permission and those intending to perform Umrah or holding an Iqama must secure the necessary approvals to participate in Hajj.

Ashrafi announced his full support for the recent Fatwa issued by the Supreme Council of Ulema of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, “which mandates that performing Hajj without official permission is impermissible.”

He appealed to all Muslims to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set by Saudi Arabia regarding Hajj. “The Fatwa of the Council of prominent Ulema of Saudi Arabia is clear: Performing Hajj without the required permissions is a sin. We urge all intending pilgrims to respect this ruling to avoid legal complications,” Ashrafi stated.

He said the leadership of Saudi Arabia had previously warned that all Hajj arrangements must be made through approved companies, and they had announced heavy fines and legal consequences for those attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorization. He reiterated this warning and encourages all pilgrims to comply with these regulations to ensure a peaceful and lawful pilgrimage.

Ashrafi also emphasized the importance of booking Hajj only through companies authorized by the Saudi government. Unauthorized bookings and travel arrangements would be considered illegal, and violators would face severe penalties, he added.

He further addressed an unfortunate incident involving Pakistani beggars in Haram, calling it a source of national shame and urging better conduct from all pilgrims.

Ashrafi expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for their exceptional Hajj arrangements, specifically thanking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, for the ‘Route to Makkah’ programme.

Captain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPR

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NNPS Desk
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Captain

RAWALPINDI, Jun 09 (APP): A Captain along with six soldiers of Pakistan Army on Sunday embraced martyrdom after an improvised explosive device exploded on vehicle of Security Forces in Lakki Marwat district.

Captain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPRCaptain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPR

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, the martyred soldiers were identified as Captain Muhammad Faraz Ilyas (age: 26 years, resident of Kasur District) along with six other brave sons of the soil; Subedar Major Muhammad Nazir (age: 50 years, resident of; Skardu district), Lance Naik Muhammad Anwar (age: 34 years, resident of: Ghanchi district), Lance Naik Hussain Ali (age: 36 years, resident of: Ghizer district), Sepoy Asad Ullah (age: 33 years, resident of: Multan district), Sepoy Manzoor Hussain (age: 27 years, resident of: Gilgit district), Sepoy Rashid Mehmood (age: 31 years, resident of Rawalpindi district); who made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.

Captain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPRCaptain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPR

The sanitization of the area was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists present in the area and perpetrators of this henious act would be brought to justice.

Captain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPRCaptain along with six soldiers embraced martyrdom after IED went off: ISPR

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.

Guests praise Kingdom’s services to Islam, Muslims

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Guests praise
ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): Pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj under the Guests of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit hailed the generous gesture as a proof of the special care and attention the Kingdom’s leadership pays to Islam and Muslims.
Secretary General of Islamic Society of Vietnam Mustapha Yousef praised the great services the Kingdom provides to pilgrims, not only at holy sites but in Makkah, Madinah, and in all roads pilgrims take. He said the Kingdom’s generosity has always removed all obstacles and ensured pilgrims a smooth Hajj,SPA reported.
Hajji Murad from Uzbekistan extended his thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his efforts to unify Muslims and serve their causes. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for implementing humanitarian initiatives.
Abdulwali Abdulbaqi, a pilgrim who works as reporter for Uzbekistan national TV, expressed his gratitude for being able to perform this year’s Hajj under the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Program, thanking the Kingdom’s leadership for the service to Islam and Muslims and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for the generous hospitality they receive.

SWA operates first pump in Jamoum Governorate, Makkah Region, at start of Hajj season 1445

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NNPS Desk
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SWA operates

ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) supervised the start of the first pump at the second pumping station in Jamoum Governorate, operated by the Water Transport and Technology Company (WTTC), to coincide with the start of the Hajj season 1445 H.

The project, entailing a 650-km-long pipe and a value exceeding SAR4 billion, is part of “Rabigh-Jeddah-Makkah” water transportation system; it was executed to ensure adequate water supply to the Makkah Region governorates and centers, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

WTTC is ready to supply the Makkah Region with up to 1.3 million cubic meters per day, with dip tanks, whose storage capacity exceeds more than one million cubic meters, at full capacity, and having increased the efficiency of pumping stations to 125 percent of the design pumping capacity, raising the storage quantities to 98 percent of the design storage capacity, and implementing business continuity plans with high efficiency, to meet the needs of pilgrims for water.

The SWA announced complete readiness of the operational water system, which entails production, transportation, storage and distribution, to keep pace with the water need and improve services during this year’s Hajj season 1445 H, in implementation of the wise leadership’s directives to make all efforts to serve the pilgrims, and ensure that they perform their rituals with complete peace of mind and at ease.

MATARAT Holding prepares for peak arrival of Hajj pilgrims

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MATARAT
ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP): MATARAT Holding successfully prepared the Kingdom’s airports for the influx of pilgrims arriving by air for the 1445 AH Hajj season.
According to the company, more than 1.1 million pilgrims have already arrived at designated airports to perform Hajj rituals.
To ensure a smooth travel experience for pilgrims, MATARAT Holding implemented a comprehensive operational plan in collaboration with 27 government, security, and operational agencies, SPA reported.
A dedicated workforce of over 21,000 employees, spread across major airports, is committed to providing exceptional service.
Thirteen travel lounges were established in six key airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
An integrated plan is in place to accommodate over 1.4 million pilgrims arriving by air from outside the Kingdom via 106 air carriers. The total Hajj season air traffic for international passengers — arriving and departing — at these six airports is expected to exceed 15 million.
Building on the success of the 1444 AH Hajj season, MATARAT Holding expanded the “Traveler Without Bag” service, which allows pilgrims to complete travel procedures and check luggage from their home country 24 hours before their flight.
This service is available at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
During the peak period of Umrah in the holy month of Ramazan 1445 AH, Saudi airports witnessed a record number of passengers – over 12.5 million across various airports. Flight numbers also reached new heights, exceeding 86,000 flights operated by 100 air carriers.
This represents a 13% growth compared to the 1444 AH season.
MATARAT Holding, through its subsidiaries, oversees the operation of 27 airports in Saudi Arabia. The company’s mission is to develop these airports and improve their performance, aligning with the Kingdom’s rapid growth and the goals of Vision 2030. This includes supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy.

CM congratulates PM on successful China visit

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Jun 09 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on undertaking a successful visit to China.
In her message on Sunday, the CM paid tributes to Shehbaz Sharif  for his endeavours undertaken for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. “Under the guidance of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the national economy is treading on the road to progress and prosperity and the completion of CPEC projects will be expedited,” she said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after undertaking a successful visit to the UAE, paved the way for the country’s progress and prosperity by virtue of excellent diplomacy in China as well, she expressed.
The CM added that time has proved that China and other countries repose their complete trust in the leadership of PML-N, adding that the willingness of Chinese investors to contribute their valuable partnership to uplift Pakistan’s economy will open new avenues of economic progress. Pak-China relations are stronger like a cliff.
The resolve of Pakistan and China to work in unison for peace and stability along with attaining progress and prosperity is highly praiseworthy.
By the grace of Allah Almighty, the country is moving ahead by leaps and bounds towards better economic conditions. The reduction in the prices of flour, bread and other essential edibles is welcoming.
Under the dynamic leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N government is working day in and day out for the economic prosperity of the people of Pakistan, she added.
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