MAKKAHA – As the annual Hajj rituals officially commence, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, urged Pakistani pilgrims to remember that they serve as ambassadors of their country in the Holy Land. He called on them to project Pakistan’s true, positive image through exemplary conduct and to strictly adhere to the schedule and regulations implemented by the Saudi government. In a special message addressed to Pakistani pilgrims at the start of the sacred journey, the Minister congratulated them on receiving this immense blessing. He also requested special prayers for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the homeland.
Sardar Muhammad Yousuf emphasized that Hajj is not merely an act of worship, but the ultimate global demonstration of discipline, patience, and universal brotherhood. Addressing both the pilgrims and the Hajj welfare staff (*Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj* and Maktab officials), he advised them to remain patient and composed while navigating the crowded sites and intense heat in the plains of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. The Minister further instructed pilgrims to take special care of their health and maintain proper hydration, following the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ medical teams.
Furthermore, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf lauded the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their exceptional diplomatic and administrative cooperation, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that the Saudi government has once again ensured highly coordinated and exemplary arrangements for millions of pilgrims arriving from across the globe. Concluding his message, the Federal Minister prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and rituals, finishing with a resounding slogan of *”Pakistan Zindabad”* (Long Live Pakistan).
