Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf says Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial, long-standing and historic relations.

Talking to Radio Pakistan in Makkah, he said this brotherly relationship is anchored in shared Islamic values with bilateral ties growing stronger each day.

The Minister commended 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 guests of Allah Almighty.

He highlighted Saudi leadership’s continued efforts in ensuring the comfort, safety and well-being of all the pilgrims.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to all rules, regulations and instructions issued by the Saudi authorities as these are designed for the smooth conduct of Hajj.

Furthermore, he called upon the Hujjaj to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for the oppressed Muslims of Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking about Pakistan-India tension, the Minister for Religious Affairs emphasized that Pakistan wants peace in the region but its desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its weakness.

Lauding the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces, he said our brave soldiers gave a befitting and prompt response to the Indian aggression. He stated entire nation stands firm with the valiant sons of soil for defence of the every inch of the motherland.

Radio Pakistan correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema reports from Makkah that the Minister visited various sections including male and female wards of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission. He was briefed by Director Medical Mission Colonel Shaheer Jamal about the facilities being provided to the intending pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Sardar Yousaf also paid a surprise visit to various camps in Mina set up for Pakistani Hujjaj and inspected the overall arrangements made by Saudi company Al Rajhi. He expressed satisfaction over the quality of services to be provided to the pilgrims.

Speaking on the occasion, he reiterated government’s commitment to provide state of the art facilities to the guests of Allah saying that no laxity will be tolerated in this regard.

DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director Makkah Aziz-ullah Khan, Chief Coordinator Dr Mirza Ali Mehsud, Coordinator Zulfiqar Khan and other officials also accompanied the Minister.