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Walking 5400kms from Pakistan, Usman Arshad arrives Saudi Arabia for Hajj
June 14, 2023

Pakistan Hajj mission has fulfilled Usman Arshad’s dream of performing Hajj who covered 5400 kilometres on foot.

Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Javed Iqbal reports from Makkah that the Pakistan Hajj Mission played a pivotal role in resolving the visa issue of Usman Arshad, a Pakistani student who accomplished the astonishing feat of covering a staggering distance of approximately 5,400 kilometers on foot in six months and thirteen days to fulfill his dream of performing Hajj.

Upon his arrival at the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah Mukarramah, Usman Arshad, a student of BS Mass Communication at the University of Okra, was warmly greeted with a rousing welcome.

The Director General Hajj appreciating Usman's remarkable journey, presented him with heartfelt gifts as a token of recognition and encouragement.

On the occasion, Director General Abdul Wahab Soomro said that the mission has successfully facilitated Usman's Hajj visa.

He further encouraged the youth of Pakistan to cultivate the habit of walking. He emphasized that Usman serves as an exemplary role model for Pakistani students.

Despite initially holding only an Umrah visa, Usman's dream of performing Hajj was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and the Saudi authorities, who helped granting him a Hajj visa.

Encountering difficulties in obtaining a Hajj visa in Saudi Arabia, Usman sought the assistance of Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro.

Recognising the urgency, Director General Soomro promptly contacted the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith leaders, along with the Saudi Authorities, to expedite the process of facilitating Usman's hajj visa.

Talking to Radio Pakistan’s correspondent, the 25-year-old Usman shared his remarkable tale of embarking on an extraordinary journey with just a modest rucksack, an umbrella, and a reliable pair of trekking shoes.

Guided by his unwavering determination, he traversed numerous nations until he ultimately reached the revered city of Makkah.

Throughout his incredible expedition, he shared that he incurred expenses totaling 850,000 and maintained an impressive daily walking range of 35 to 60 kilometers.

The idea of walking to Makkah first sparked in his mind back in 2021 when he embarked on a 34-day journey, covering an astounding distance of 1,270 miles from Okara to the Khunjerab Pass, situated on the Chinese border.

Usman also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Pakistan Hajj Mission, and the Saudi Authorities, with a special mention of Director General Hajj, for their invaluable support in facilitating the acquisition of his Hajj visa.