Direct hajj flights from Faisalabad to Saudi Arabia to begin this year: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that direct hajj flights from Faisalabad to Saudi Arabia would commence this year whereas efforts would be expedited to promote religious tourism within Pakistan similar to pilgrimage visits to Iran, Iraq and Syria

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2026) Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that direct hajj flights from Faisalabad to Saudi Arabia would commence this year whereas efforts would be expedited to promote religious tourism within Pakistan similar to pilgrimage visits to Iran, Iraq and Syria.

He was addressing a ceremony at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) where certificates were also distributed among registered Zaireen Group Organizers.

The minister said that the initiative would facilitate intending pilgrims in addition to strengthen Faisalabad’s role in religious travel services.

He congratulated the registered organizers and termed their certification a commitment to serve the pilgrims by ensuring proper travel arrangements, accommodation and other essential facilities.

He assured that efforts were underway to register the applicants, whose documents had not yet been cleared, enabling both new groups and experienced tour operators to continue providing services efficiently.

Rejecting the notion that religion was linked to terrorism, the minister categorically stated that terrorists had no religion and emphasized the need for national harmony and unity.

He urged the business community to play a proactive role in promoting interfaith cohesion and social stability.

Responding to a demand for the establishment of a Haji Camp in Faisalabad, the minister said that the proposal would be reviewed. However, he said that most intending pilgrims now preferred reaching airports directly instead of staying at Haji camps.

Earlier, FCCI President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh highlighted the importance of Faisalabad and its business community. He stressed the need to bridge trust deficits between the government and private sector to resolve the issues and steer the country towards economic progress and prosperity.

Community Head of Zaireen Group Organizers Nadeem Iqbal also addressed the gathering while Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh presented a vote of thanks.

Later, FCCI Farooq Yousaf Sheikh along with Group Leader Mian Javed Iqbal presented an honorary shield to the federal minister while the minister also recorded his impressions in the FCCI Visitor’s Book and joined participants for a group photograph.