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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan declared a three-day public holiday from May 26 to 28 to observe Eid-ul-Adha, according to a government notification. Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the conclusion of the annual <a href="https://pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-hajj-operation-accelerates-as-thousands-of-pilgrims-arrive-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hajj pilgrimage</a> to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The festival takes place on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim&#39;s (Abraham) submission to God. On the festival&#39;s opening day, Muslims gather for special congregational prayers. Families engage in &quot;qurbani,&quot; the ritual slaughter of permissible (halal) livestock, including goats, sheep, cattle, and camels. The sacrificial meat is divided equally among the household, extended family and friends, and the poor. Throughout the celebration, adherents dress in new clothes, visit relatives, and greet one another with &quot;Eid Mubarak.&quot;

Culture

Pakistan's government declares a three-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signing off on the decision

Pakistan announces three-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha

ISLAMABAD: The first Hajj flight under Road to Makkah project departed from Islamabad International Airport on Sunday, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. Pilgrims were seen off by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, along with senior officials, at the airport. Addressing the ceremony, Yousuf said Pakistan completed Hajj preparations within stipulated time with the support of the Saudi government, and the country is providing pilgrims with the best possible facilities.&nbsp;Road to Makkah project&nbsp;He highlighted that Road to Makkah project allows pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration and other formalities at their departure airport, making their arrival in Saudi Arabia smoother. This year, the initiative has been expanded to Lahore, in addition to Karachi and Islamabad, and is expected to benefit over 95,000 pilgrims. Pilgrims will also be provided with e-SIM cards, enabling them to remain in contact with their families in Pakistan. Other facilities include modern, comfortable tents and high-speed trains connecting Makkah and Madinah to ease travel. The minister expressed gratitude to Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, and Hajj Minister Tawfiq Bin Fawzan al-Rabiah for their support and guidance in facilitating the Hajj preparations.

Religious Affairs Minister Yousuf says Pakistan completed Hajj preparations within stipulated time with the support of the Saudi government, and the country is providing pilgrims with the best possible facilities.

First Hajj flight under Road to Makkah project departs Pakistan's capital

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has completed arrangements for this year&rsquo;s Hajj efficiently and without imposing any additional financial burden on pilgrims, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said on Sunday, even as global oil prices surge due to ongoing regional tensions. The assurance comes amid a sharp rise in global energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and pushed crude prices significantly higher worldwide. Speaking to state broadcaster PTV News in Riyadh, Yousuf said Pakistan would send around 180,000 pilgrims this year, including 120,000 under the government scheme and 60,000 through private arrangements. Despite rising fuel and transport costs globally, the minister said the government had ensured that Hajj expenses remained stable. &ldquo;All operations, including flights, accommodation and transport, are being organized in a smooth and exemplary manner to ensure the comfort and safety of all pilgrims,&rdquo; Radio Pakistan quoted the minister as saying. The Hajj flight operation is scheduled to run from May 24 to May 29, with authorities finalizing arrangements in line with Saudi requirements. Yousuf said the government had focused on maintaining cost efficiency while improving service standards, aiming to deliver a seamless pilgrimage experience. &ldquo;We are making every effort to provide the best possible arrangements and aim to make this year&rsquo;s Hajj exemplary in terms of management and facilities,&rdquo; he added. He also reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s close ties with Saudi Arabia, appreciating the Kingdom&rsquo;s continued support for pilgrims. &ldquo;The Saudi authorities have extended full cooperation and facilities, and we value their commitment to serving pilgrims as honored guests,&rdquo; he said.

Economy

Pakistan religion minister says Hajj operations are fully prepared with improved services, streamlined logistics and strong coordination with Saudi authorities, as Islamabad aims to ensure a safe, comfortable and well-managed pilgrimage experience for thousands of travelers

Articles tagged with "Hajj 2026"

Pakistan announces three-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha

First Hajj flight under Road to Makkah project departs Pakistan's capital

Pakistan ensures no extra Hajj cost despite oil price surge

Pakistan announces three-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha