ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has congratulated the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the successful management of the Hajj season 1447 AH, describing it as an extraordinary achievement made possible through the grace of Almighty Allah and the visionary leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
In a statement, Ashrafi said the success of this year’s Hajj reflected the Saudi leadership’s unwavering commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the millions of pilgrims who travel annually to the holy sites from around the world.
He said the comprehensive planning, continuous supervision, and ongoing development of Hajj services under the guidance of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had resulted in one of the most successful pilgrimage seasons in recent years.
The successful organization of Hajj 1447 AH is a remarkable and well-deserved accomplishment. It is the result of Allah’s blessings, the generous directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the vision, dedication, and around-the-clock oversight of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to continuously improve every aspect of the Hajj experience, Ashrafi said.
He particularly praised the crowd management strategy implemented during the pilgrimage, describing it as a model of international excellence.
The operational plan for managing pilgrim movement represented a world-class example of effective crowd management. It was part of a comprehensive system that was executed with exceptional precision, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail, he added.
Ashrafi also commended the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance programs, infrastructure, and services designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of pilgrims from their arrival in Saudi Arabia until their departure after completing the sacred rites.
He highlighted the significance of the Makkah Route Initiative, saying the project had greatly facilitated travel procedures for pilgrims and provided unprecedented convenience to thousands of Hajj participants from different countries.
The Makkah Route Initiative has become one of the most successful programs serving pilgrims. Its positive impact has been widely acknowledged by pilgrims and participating nations alike, he said.
The Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman expressed appreciation for all Saudi institutions involved in serving the pilgrims, including princes, ministers, government agencies, military and civil institutions, and particularly the security forces.
He paid tribute to the Supreme Hajj Committee, headed by Minister of Interior Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for its effective leadership and coordination among all ministries and agencies involved in Hajj operations.
Ashrafi said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with service providers and security authorities, had achieved notable success in improving services and ensuring strict compliance with regulations governing the pilgrimage.
Referring to Pakistan’s religious guidance on Hajj regulations, Ashrafi said Darul Ifta Pakistan had issued a ruling declaring the performance of Hajj without an official permit to be impermissible under Islamic law.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to all rules and instructions issued by the relevant authorities, adding that compliance with regulations was essential for ensuring the safety, security, and smooth management of the pilgrimage.
Ashrafi reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve the pilgrims, saying the Kingdom had made the service of the guests of Allah a central national mission and a source of pride for both its leadership and people.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts undertaken under the directives of the Saudi leadership”, he said. Serving the pilgrims has become a noble responsibility embraced by the entire Saudi nation, he added.
The results of these efforts were clearly visible on the ground, and the Kingdom continues to dedicate its resources to serving Islam, Muslims, and the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, he said.
Congratulating the Saudi leadership on the historic achievement, Ashrafi said the success of this year’s Hajj served as a clear reflection of the progress achieved under Saudi Vision 2030.
He described Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a visionary and capable leader whose reforms and leadership had contributed significantly to the Kingdom’s development across various sectors, particularly in enhancing services for pilgrims.
Ashrafi said the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah had effectively operated as a fully integrated modern city equipped with advanced facilities and services for more than 1.7 million pilgrims.
He said nearly half a million personnel, including security, military, medical, engineering, and logistical teams, had worked tirelessly to ensure the safety, comfort, and successful completion of the pilgrimage for all participants.
Concluding his remarks, Ashrafi prayed for the continued health and success of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and prayed to Allah Almighty to accept the Hajj and good deeds of the pilgrims and grant them a safe return to their homes with a blessed and accepted pilgrimage.
