Pakistan begins mandatory Hajj training by holding first session in Peshawar

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Updated 18 January 2025
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Pakistan begins mandatory Hajj training by holding first session in Peshawar

Pakistan begins mandatory Hajj training by holding first session in Peshawar
  • The country’s religious affairs ministry plans to hold the training sessions at 147 locations across Pakistan
  • These sessions will use audiovisual material and conclude before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan

PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Saturday initiated mandatory training sessions for pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj under the government scheme by holding the inaugural session in the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Earlier this month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the annual Hajj agreement in Jeddah, which formally confirmed that the South Asian nation would send 179,210 people to perform the pilgrimage this year.
More than 200 pilgrims participated in the first session in Peshawar, held at a private educational institution in the city.
Muhammad Umair Butt, the ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that authorities have planned the mandatory Hajj training sessions at 147 locations across the country.
“According to the Saudi government’s instructions, we have to provide training to Hajj pilgrims to acquaint them with the administrative affairs and other Hajj rituals so they can complete their worship properly,” he said, adding the sessions were also designed to sensitize pilgrims on how to spend their time in Saudi Arabia.




Trainer briefs selected Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj training workshop in Peshawar on January 18, 2025, ahead of the annual pilgrimage in June this year. (AN Photo)

Butt said the training sessions would cover all required topics in two sittings.
“These sessions will be concluded before [the Muslim fasting month of] Ramadan,” he said. “The sessions will be held from January 18 to February 27 across the country in every province.”
The religious affairs ministry has taken several initiatives this year to facilitate pilgrims, including the launch of the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application to guide them.
The app is available for both Android and iPhone users.




Selected Pakistani pilgrims attend Hajj training workshop in Peshawar on January 18, 2025, ahead of the annual pilgrimage in June this year. (AN Photo)

The ministry spokesperson said each sitting of the training session will last for about three hours, during which pilgrims will receive guidelines through audiovisual material.
Speaking to Arab News, participants of the training session expressed satisfaction with the information shared, saying multiple questions they had about the Hajj rituals had been answered.
“It is good that I attended the first session in which they provided detailed information about the app,” Mujib-ur-Rehman Bhatti, a resident of Peshawar’s Gulbahar neighborhood, said after participating in the training.




Trainer briefs selected Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj training workshop in Peshawar on January 18, 2025, ahead of the annual pilgrimage in June this year. (AN Photo)

He added the ministry had informed all the pilgrims in detail about how to overcome common problems reported during Hajj.
“The things they taught us were for our own ease and can save us from tension ahead,” Bhatti said.
Another participant of the session, Ali Khan, an official at the Civil Aviation who is planning to perform Hajj with his family, called it a “brilliant program.”
“Everything was explained quite well and in significant detail,” he said. “We gathered information from videos, YouTube and other sources. The session was very practical and important.”




Selected Pakistani pilgrims attend Hajj training workshop in Peshawar on January 18, 2025, ahead of the annual pilgrimage in June this year. (AN Photo)

 


On 27th anniversary of acquiring nukes, Pakistan reaffirms pledge of defensive use only

On 27th anniversary of acquiring nukes, Pakistan reaffirms pledge of defensive use only
Updated 5 sec ago
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On 27th anniversary of acquiring nukes, Pakistan reaffirms pledge of defensive use only

On 27th anniversary of acquiring nukes, Pakistan reaffirms pledge of defensive use only
  • Pakistan began program to obtain nuclear weapons after 1971 war led to division of the country and creation of Bangladesh
  • Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in May 1998, officially becoming a nuclear-weapon state shortly after India conducted its own tests

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer today, Wednesday, to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the day it acquired nuclear weapons, reaffirming its pledge to use the capability for defensive purposes only.

Pakistan began a program to obtain nuclear weapons after the 1971 war which led to the division of the country and the creation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan. The army sees its nuclear weapons as essential to offset the conventional superiority of its much bigger neighbor, India. India sees its own nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Pakistan and China, which defeated it in a border war in 1962.

Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in May 1998, shortly after India announced it had done so.

“Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the momentous occasion in 1998 when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power— restoring the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting its sovereign right to self-defense,” the army said in a statement. 

“This historic achievement epitomizes the nation’s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence.

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate their unflinching resolve to defend the motherland against all threats across the full spectrum of conflict. As responsible custodians of the nation’s strategic assets, we reaffirm that our nuclear capability remains solely for defensive purposes and stands as a guarantor of peace.”

The military added that the day underscored Pakistan’s “steadfast commitment” to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity and affirmed its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, rooted in the principle of maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region.

Both India and Pakistan faced international sanctions as a result of testing nukes in 1998, although India has since won effective recognition as a nuclear power following an accord negotiated with the United States. Neither Pakistan, nor India, have signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates Pakistan’s arsenal at about 170 warheads. These can be delivered by aircraft, or by missiles, which both countries have been developing and testing. 

The nuclear program is controlled by the army and run by the Strategic Plans Division.

Pakistan and India’s nuclear capabilities make any conflict between them especially dangerous and raise global alarm, as happened earlier this month when they launched missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchanged gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Nearly 70 people combined were killed on both sides of the border. 

It was the worst conflict in decades between the neighbors.

Pakistan has fought three full-scale wars with India, including two over the disputed Kashmir region.


Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay

Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay
Updated 27 May 2025
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Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay

Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay
  • Papara is suspected of money laundering, illegal betting and establishing a criminal organization
  • Papara expanded by acquiring Pakistan-based SadaPay and Spain-based Rebellion Pay in 2023

ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities detained 13 people as part of an investigation into fintech company Papara over suspected money laundering, illegal betting and establishing a criminal organization, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Tuesday.

Yerlikaya said authorities determined that the company, which provides online money transfers, foreign-exchange transactions and bill-payment services for its 21 million users, was allowing users to open accounts to transfer illegal betting income.

A report by state broadcaster TRT Haber said the detentions included Papara’s founder and chairman, Ahmet Faruk Karsli.

As part of the probe, the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) was appointed as a trustee to Papara by a court decision, following reports from the central bank, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and other relevant institutions.

The central bank, which regulates payment firms, said on Tuesday it would implement daily limits to transactions made on the platform.

“In this process, which will be carried out in coordination with the relevant institutions, temporary daily limits will be applied to payment transactions at the institution,” the central bank said in a statement.

It also sought to reassure users, noting that “within the scope of the law, the funds of payment service users in payment and electronic money institutions are secured in protection accounts at banks.”

Yerlikaya said 10 companies, bank accounts and assets of the detained individuals were seized as part of the investigation.

A report by the financial crimes unit found that more than 26,000 accounts were used for illegal online betting, involving transactions worth 12.9 billion lira ($330 million), he added.

Papara, one of Turkiye’s fastest-growing fintech companies, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company was founded in 2015 and received an electronic money institution license from the banking regulator BDDK the following year. It expanded abroad by acquiring Pakistan-based SadaPay and Spain-based Rebellion Pay in 2023.

According to its website, Papara had 21 million users as of last year. PPR Holding owns Papara, and Trade Registry data shows Karsli held about 90 percent of the company as of May 2024.


Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7

Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7
Updated 27 May 2025
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Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7

Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7
  • Eid Al-Adha is observed on 10th day of Dhul Hijjah
  • Annual Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 4

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s moon sighting committee announced today, Tuesday, that the crescent marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah was not sighted due to unclear skies and the Eid Al-Adha festival would commence from June 7. 

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period during which the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, take place. It is one of the four holy months in Islam, with the first 10 days especially revered and considered among the best days of the year for performing righteous deeds.

“Today, in Pakistan, most areas experienced cloudy weather, and some areas had clear skies. The confirmation of sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon has not been received from any part of Pakistan,” Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad said at a press conference.

“Hence unanimously [we have] decided that the first Dhul Hijjah, 1446 AH will be observed on Thursday, May 29 and Eid Al-Adha will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025.”

Commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son on God’s command, Muslims mark the Eid Al-Adha holiday by slaughtering animals such as sheep, cows and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and also donated to the poor.

Eid Al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, while the annual Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 4.


Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff

Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff
Updated 23 min 5 sec ago
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Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff

Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff
  • PM Sharif will attend a trilateral summit with Aliyev and Türkish President Erdogan in Lachin
  • Sharif is on regional diplomacy tour following Pakistan’s recent military confrontation with India 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and thanked his country for its “steadfast support” during a recent military standoff with India, the worst conflict in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors. 

Sharif is in Azerbaijan on the third stopover of a five-day regional diplomacy tour that also saw him visit Iran and Turkiye. Turkiye and Azerbaijan had openly pledged support for Pakistan during the standoff with India while Iran had urged restraint multiple times and also offered to mediate.

The four-day military escalation saw Pakistan and India launch missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchange gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Nearly 70 people combined were killed on both sides of the border. 

“The prime minister thanked Azerbaijan for its steadfast support during the recent Pakistan-India confrontation, in the face of Indian provocation and acknowledged the public expressions of solidarity from both the leadership and the people of brotherly Azerbaijan,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. 

“He said that people of Azerbaijan celebrated the success of Pakistan.”

During the meeting, which took place on the eve of a trilateral summit between Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Sharif and Aliyev reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the trajectory of political, economic, defense, and cultural cooperation.

“They reaffirmed their shared commitment to diversifying the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial avenues,” the prime minister’s office said. 

“Azerbaijan side agreed to exchange of delegations with regard to progress in investment of Azerbaijan in Pakistan. In this regard delegation level talks will be organized very soon.”

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have strengthened ties in recent years through defense and energy cooperation and Baku has supported Islamabad’s position on the Kashmir dispute at international forums.

Islamabad has also offered Azerbaijan access to its seaports to facilitate trade with global markets and promoted regional connectivity initiatives linking Central Asia to South Asia.

At the start of his regional visit, Sharif met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Türkiye and thanked him for Ankara’s strong backing during the conflict with India. The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in defense production, energy, IT, agriculture and infrastructure and agreed to pursue a bilateral trade target of $5 billion, building on commitments made during the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad earlier this year.

Sharif also visited Tehran, where he held meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

At a joint press stakeout with the Iranian president, Sharif made a peace offer to India, saying Pakistan was ready for talks on contentious issues including Kashmir, water-sharing and countering terrorism.


Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting
Updated 27 May 2025
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Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting
  • NEC Consultants is an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan
  • Andersen provides services spanning corporate strategy, business, IT, AI transformation

SAN FRANCISCO: Andersen Consulting bolsters its sustainability offering through a Collaboration Agreement with NEC Consultants (Pvt) Ltd., an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan.

Established in 2006, NEC Consultants provides environmental and engineering professional services. Their offerings include environmental assessments and audits, wastewater treatment plant design, energy audits, sustainability and circularity consulting, and training in environmental and energy efficiency.

Azher Uddin Khan, managing director of NEC Consulting, said:

“This collaboration with Andersen Consulting marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining our local expertise with the organization’s global reach, we are poised to address complex challenges and drive impactful change in Pakistan and beyond.”

Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen, added:

“Pakistan is a rapidly growing economy with enormous potential in infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. As the country continues to invest in large-scale public and private projects, the need for multidimensional services is greater than ever. By collaborating with NEC Consultants, we gain a competitive edge in a high-growth market.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. 

Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.