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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia reverses Hajj age restriction

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Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its earlier decision to impose a minimum age limit of 15 years for Hajj pilgrims, restoring the previous policy that allows children aged 12 and above to perform the pilgrimage.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, the restriction on pilgrims under 15 years has been lifted, and previously rejected visas under the short-lived policy will now be reprocessed.

The PCAA confirmed that the earlier eligibility criteria have been reinstated, under which children aged 12 or above can travel for Hajj.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs also verified that the Saudi government has taken back its decision regarding the age restriction.

 The Pakistan Hajj Mission has issued a notification in line with the updated Saudi directives.

As per the revised instructions, pilgrims aged 12 and above will now be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia, maintaining the earlier policy framework.

It is worth noting that only hours earlier, authorities had announced a ban on children under 15 from traveling for Hajj, effective May 3, 2026, with visas of underage pilgrims declared invalid. However, the decision was swiftly reversed, bringing relief to affected families.

Pakistan will stand by Saudi Arabia in all circumstances, says PM’s spokesperson

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Pakistan will stand

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Musharraf Zaidi has said that Pakistan will stand with Saudi Arabia at all times and under all circumstances, adding that Islamabad would extend support to the Kingdom if required.

Speaking to an international publication, Zaidi stated that there was no question about Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that security cooperation between the two countries is not new, noting that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close coordination on defense and strategic interests.

He further revealed that a Pakistani Field Marshal recently met the Saudi Defense Minister in Riyadh, where both sides discussed joint defense measures and cooperation.

Zaidi also said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been in contact with Iran’s Foreign Minister since the beginning of the conflict, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the region.

Saudi Arabia gears up to welcome Ramadan 1447 Hijri

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Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri are in full swing across Saudi Arabia, with authorities completing extensive arrangements to host millions of worshippers.

According to Saudi media reports, government-level preparations have reached their peak, ensuring a grand reception for the “Guests of Allah.” As in previous years, banners reading “Ahlan wa Sahlan Ya Ramadan” have been displayed across cities, while streets and neighborhoods have been illuminated with decorative lights.

Major roads, residential areas, and key landmarks have been adorned with colorful lanterns and billboards featuring verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith.

 Numerous religious, educational, and reformative programs have also been organized to help worshippers make the most of the blessed month.

Large-scale Iftar gatherings are being arranged, as providing Iftar during Ramadan is considered a highly rewarding act.

The most vibrant scenes are being witnessed in Mecca and Medina, where streets, alleys, and prominent sites have been beautifully decorated in anticipation of the holy month.

Millions of Muslims from around the world are expected to travel to Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi for Umrah and special prayers. Special arrangements are being finalized to facilitate the influx of pilgrims.

On the last Friday of Sha’ban, more than 1.5 million worshippers reportedly attended prayers at Masjid al-Haram, reflecting the anticipated surge in visitors during Ramadan.

The number is expected to increase significantly, particularly during the last ten days of the holy month, when the atmosphere resembles that of Hajj.

It is worth noting that Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19 in Saudi Arabia and several other Islamic countries, subject to the official moon-sighting announcement.

President Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally

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President Trump

US President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant expansion in bilateral strategic cooperation.

President Trump hosted a dinner at the White House in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. High-profile guests, including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo, also attended the event.

The US President approved a major defence package under which Saudi Arabia will purchase F-35 fighter jets and 300 tanks from the United States.

Welcoming the Crown Prince, President Trump said Saudi Arabia and the United States share a long-standing and historic partnership, which both sides are committed to further strengthening. He said the two countries had signed a strategic defence agreement during the visit.

President Trump added that the Middle East was closer than ever to achieving lasting peace, claiming that Gaza was now “far safer than before.” He said several heads of state would be part of the upcoming “Gaza Board of Peace.”

He also stated that Hamas had handed over additional bodies of hostages to Israeli families.

Following Trump’s remarks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanked the US President for the warm hospitality and said Riyadh greatly values its relationship with Washington.

The Crown Prince is currently on an official visit to the United States, during which he held talks with President Trump at the White House.

A statement issued later by the White House said that Washington and Riyadh had reached an agreement on a civil nuclear cooperation framework.

According to the statement, President Trump has approved a major arms package for Saudi Arabia, which includes the supply of advanced F-35 fighter aircraft, while the Kingdom will also acquire nearly 300 tanks from the US.

Saudi Arabia imposes ban on severely ill pilgrims for Hajj 2026

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Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have announced a strict ban on severely ill individuals from performing Hajj 2026, introducing new medical compliance measures for incoming pilgrims.

Under the updated policy, severely ill pilgrims will be deported, and the cost of their return will be borne by the pilgrims themselves.

According to sources in Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, action will also be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to unfit pilgrims.

The Ministry further clarified that, in line with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney diseases, including patients undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has also restricted Hajj for patients suffering from advanced-stage heart, lung, and liver diseases, particularly those unable to endure physical exertion.

Saudi Arabia introduces drone transport for medical supplies

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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will deploy drones to transport medicines and blood samples during the upcoming Hajj season, significantly reducing delivery times, according to Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel.

The minister stated that while traditional vehicles take between one and three hours to transport medical supplies or samples, drones will cut this duration down to just 5–10 minutes, ensuring faster and more efficient medical support for pilgrims.

He further emphasized that all pilgrims are required to receive the meningitis vaccine, while some countries have additional vaccine requirements based on health guidelines.

According to the minister, these special instructions issued by the Health Ministry aim to protect pilgrims’ health and prevent the spread of infections during the Hajj season.