Online
Islamabad
A grand pre-launch ceremony of the 3rd Pakistan Hajj & Umrah Exhibition 2025 was held today at Islamabad Hotel, with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce & Industry, Rana Ehsan Malik, and Chairman Shariah Board, HBL, Mufti Zubair Ashraf Usmani as special guests.
Prominent dignitaries present included MD Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Rana Aftab, DG Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Islamabad, Dr. Muhammad Asim, Central Coordinator of HOAP Pakistan, Haji Sanaullah Khan, Vice President FPCCI, Tariq Jadoon, Senior Vice President Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders, Dost Ali Jan, JUI Leader Maulana Salahuddin Ayubi, CEO Maassalama, Miraj-ud-Din Asif, Director International Relations Maassalama, Dr. Asadullah, Media Coordinator, Ammar Khan Yaser, and IT Director, Muhammad Yaseen, along with representatives from various institutions and sectors.
In his address, Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf highlighted the importance of such exhibitions, stressing that the Umrah Act has been passed and will be strictly enforced to prevent exploitative practices such as sending beggars for Umrah. He emphasized that pilgrims represent their country as ambassadors and must strictly adhere to Saudi laws and local regulations. He further noted that Hajj and Umrah are sacred journeys of worship and should not be turned into commercial or leisure trips. He also called for greater focus on boosting Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
The Minister added that the Hajj & Umrah Expo would yield positive outcomes such as the training of master trainers, promotion of Islamic economy, and growth in exports. He assured full cooperation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs with Maassalama, the organizing company of the exhibition.
Rana Ehsan Malik, PM’s Coordinator for Commerce & Industry, emphasized the need for Pakistan to tap into the vast opportunities within the Hajj & Umrah industry. He stressed that Pakistani companies can play a more proactive role in this sector, and the government will extend all possible support.
Rana Aftab, MD PTDC, underlined that pilgrims act as ambassadors of their countries and must respect Saudi laws. He also stressed the need for special training of tour operators to better guide pilgrims.
Haji Sanaullah Khan, Central Coordinator of HOAP, noted the importance of strictly following Saudi instructions and regulations during Hajj operations to avoid any inconvenience for pilgrims.
Mufti Zubair Ashraf Usmani, Chairman Shariah Board HBL, emphasized the need for religious, ethical, and administrative training of pilgrims, noting that without such preparation, it is difficult for pilgrims to truly understand the spirit of Hajj. He urged both government and private institutions to prioritize this aspect.
The 3rd Pakistan Hajj & Umrah Exhibition 2025 will be held from October 24–26, 2025, at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad, hosted by Maassalama Pvt. Ltd. Co-organizers include Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (RCSTSI), Riphah International University, Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University Islamabad, National Incubation Centre (NIC) Peshawar, Ignite National Technology Fund, and Orbit Events, among others.
The exhibition will feature participation from Saudi Hajj & Umrah companies, transport and telecom firms, hotels, and airlines, along with Pakistani banks, airlines, telecom companies, Hajj & Umrah travel product providers, digital solutions, hotel accessories manufacturers & exporters, and Islamic product companies. PTDC and Maassalama will also introduce special training programs for Pakistani pilgrims, Umrah performers, and companies, designed to align services with Islamic and Eastern traditions and further improve Hajj & Umrah operations.
The pre-launch event was also attended by representatives from leading institutions including Al Baraka Bank, Habib Bank Limited, Meezan Bank, Bank Islami, MCB, Bank Alfalah, Habib Metro, Askari Bank, Bank of Khyber, Bank of Punjab, Faysal Bank, UBL, Allied Bank, as well as aviation and telecom sectors such as Serene Air, Air Sial, Emirates Airline, Flynas, Fly Jinnah, Airblue, Zong, Telenor, and Jazz.
Participants stressed that this exhibition will serve as a milestone for the growth of Pakistan’s Hajj & Umrah industry, the promotion of religious tourism, and enhancement of exports to Saudi Arabia, ultimately bringing positive impacts on Pakistan’s economy and international relations.
