ISLAMABAD, May 25 (DNA): The Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, on Monday said the leadership of the Saudi Arabia under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has set unprecedented examples in serving pilgrims by introducing state-of-the-art facilities and modern technological systems for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from across the world.

In an exclusive talk with international media here, Ashrafi said Saudi Arabia was utilizing modern technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, advanced healthcare systems and comprehensive crowd-management mechanisms to ensure a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for millions of pilgrims.

He said the Kingdom’s remarkable arrangements reflected its unwavering commitment to serving the guests of Allah and facilitating pilgrims in accordance with the requirements of the modern age.

Ashrafi said Saudi authorities had transformed Hajj operations into one of the world’s most organized and technologically advanced management systems, where pilgrims were being facilitated from arrival to departure through integrated digital services.

He highlighted the introduction of the mandatory “Nusuk Card,” describing it as a revolutionary initiative that carried pilgrims’ personal, medical, accommodation and transportation information in both physical and digital formats.

He said the system greatly helped in identity verification, access to holy sites, locating missing pilgrims and streamlining transportation and accommodation arrangements.

Ashrafi said Saudi Arabia had also introduced smart sensors and AI-powered systems in Mina and other holy sites for real-time crowd monitoring and management.

According to international media reports, advanced digital systems linked with the Nusuk platform were helping authorities regulate pilgrim movement, reduce congestion and ensure safer mobility between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and the Grand Mosque.

He said the use of artificial intelligence and smart surveillance systems at the Grand Mosque represented a major leap in Hajj management.

Saudi authorities were utilizing real-time crowd density indicators, computer vision technologies and AI-based monitoring systems to guide pilgrims and improve safety measures around Tawaf and Sa’i areas.

Praising the healthcare arrangements, Ashrafi said the Kingdom had deployed tens of thousands of healthcare workers, emergency response teams and specialized medical units across Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Madinah for Hajj 2026.

He said modern hospitals, emergency centers, AI-assisted medical services and rapid response systems were ensuring immediate medical assistance for pilgrims.

He further said Saudi Arabia had expanded special services for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims through mobility support systems, digital guidance tools, transport assistance and dedicated facilitation centers at the holy sites and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Ashrafi said full 5G connectivity, free internet facilities and multilingual digital services in more than 60 languages were helping pilgrims remain connected and receive guidance in their native languages. He added that digital transformation initiatives launched under Saudi Vision 2030 had significantly enhanced the spiritual journey of pilgrims.

He also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s efforts to simplify visa issuance, digital registration and online pilgrimage management through the Nusuk platform.

He said the fully digital registration and permit systems had improved transparency, efficiency and convenience for pilgrims worldwide.

The Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council said the Saudi leadership deserved appreciation from the Muslim Ummah for continuously expanding the capacity of the holy sites, improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing cleanliness and adopting smart-city solutions to facilitate pilgrims.

He said the Kingdom’s integrated arrangements demonstrated that Saudi Arabia was utilizing every available resource for the comfort, safety and welfare of pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Ashrafi prayed for the continued success, stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia and paid tribute to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their exceptional services to Islam and the Muslim world.

ISLAMABAD, May 25 (DNA): A fire that broke out in the Margalla Hills behind the F-5 sector prompted a large response from the district administration, with more than 65 personnel taking part in efforts to control the blaze.

Authorities said the fire spread to three different locations on the hills, while strong winds created difficulties for firefighting teams.

According to the district administration, rescue workers, firefighting staff and other officials remained engaged in the operation to stop the fire from spreading further across the hills. Officials said the windy conditions slowed down the response and made access to some areas difficult.

The administration stated that the fire was being controlled at three separate points and expressed hope that the situation would be brought under control soon. Teams continued working on the affected sites to prevent further damage.

Following the incident, authorities temporarily closed all hiking trails in the Margalla Hills area as a safety measure. Citizens were requested to avoid visiting the trails until the firefighting operation is completed.

The district administration urged the public to cooperate with officials and stay away from the hills to allow emergency teams to carry out their work without interruption. Officials also warned that changing wind patterns could increase the risk of the fire spreading to nearby areas if movement on the trails continues.

The Margalla Hills remain a popular destination for hikers and visitors in Islamabad, especially during the evening hours and weekends. However, authorities said public safety remains the top priority during the ongoing emergency response.

Officials added that monitoring of the affected areas is continuing and further updates will be shared after the fire is fully extinguished.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 25 /DNA/ – The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will depart Beijing for New York for a visit from 26–28 May 2026.

In New York, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will participate tomorrow, on 26 May 2026 in the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centered International System.” The debate has been convened under the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May 2026 by the People’s Republic of China and will be chaired by Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency Wang Yi.

Pakistan welcomes this timely initiative by China, which highlights the importance of strengthening multilateralism and upholding the central role of the United Nations in addressing today’s complex global challenges.

On 28 May, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will also attend the meeting of the Group of Friends on Global Governance, held under the theme “Reforming and Improving Global Governance, Working Together to Address Global Challenges.”

On the sidelines, he will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts as well as senior United Nations officials.

Pakistan remains a steadfast supporter of multilateralism and stands ready to contribute constructively to collective efforts for global peace, security, and development.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 25 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, alongside 20 prestigious Pakistani universities, has concluded a series of Pakistan Higher Education Expos across major cities of Bangladesh under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.                 

This was the second series of exhibitions organised by HEC in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh. The first series held in late 2025 yielded remarkable outcomes, particularly the enrolment of a large number of Bangladeshi students in Pakistani universities.       

The exhibitions were held in Dhaka, Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Rangpur, where HEC and the participating Pakistani universities set up their stalls to interact with and guide the visiting students and general public on the opportunities offered under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. They highlighted the 500 fully-funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships available for Bangladeshi students. They also showcased the academic programmes and facilities offered in Pakistan, underlining the avenues of faculty collaborations and the prospects of joint research ventures.   

The expo series marks a significant milestone in strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as it drew thousands of students, parents, and academics towards the higher education opportunities in Pakistan.

In her remarks, Director General (Scholarships) HEC Ms. Aayesha Ikram reiterated HEC’s commitment to the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. She underscored that the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships initiative provides opportunities of quality education to Bangladeshi students. She also revealed that a huge potential of collaboration exists between Pakistani and Bangladeshi institutions including exchange programmes. She urged the Bangladeshi students to fully benefit from the wide range of academic opportunities available at Pakistani universities. She affirmed that the collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh will play a vital role in further strengthening the bilateral relations.

During orientation sessions held across the cities, Project Director Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme Mr. Jehanzeb Khan shed light on the scope of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. He highlighted that the showcasing represented the second phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships initiative, as 74 Bangladeshi students had already commenced their studies in various disciplines at Pakistani universities. He encouraged the visiting students to actively apply for scholarships across diverse academic disciplines.

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Mr. Imran Haider, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Muhammad Wasif, and Counsellor (Political) Mr. Kamran Dhangal participated in various events during the expo series. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral educational relations, academic exchanges, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships.

Addressing participants at different sessions, the Pakistani diplomats highlighted Pakistan’s growing excellence in higher education and emerging fields including Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, Engineering, Aviation, Cyber Security, and Medical Sciences. They appreciated the strong interest shown by Bangladeshi students and academic institutions in expanding educational collaboration with Pakistan.

Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Registrars, faculty members, and senior officials from leading Bangladeshi universities also welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of sustained academic cooperation, faculty collaboration, and research partnerships in promoting mutual understanding and regional connectivity.

On successful completion of the exhibitions, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka hosted the representatives of HEC and the participating universities. The interaction reviewed the outcomes of the exhibitions and discussed future avenues to strengthen academic partnerships and expand educational cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Dhaka Mr. Imran Haider appreciated the active participation of Pakistani universities and HEC Pakistan. He acknowledged the support of Bangladeshi universities and institutions in facilitating the events across the country.

It is pertinent to mention that under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, the Government of Pakistan – through HEC – is offering 500 fully funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education at leading Pakistani universities.  

PESHAWAR, May 25 (DNA): Pakistan Railways here Monday launched a new Awam Express train service from Peshawar to Karachi.

The impressive inauguration ceremony was held at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station, where Secretary Ministry of Railways, Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, officially inaugurated the service.

Former Pakistani legend cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi also attended the event.

The upgraded Awam Express train is equipped with modern facilities, including eight air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seating, and other passenger amenities for facilitation of passengers.

The train has the capacity to accommodate 1,234 passengers. The first upgraded Awam Express departed from Peshawar for Karachi at 8:30 a.m. The train will travel via Rawalpindi, Lahore, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Liaquatpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Dharki, Pano Aqil, Rohri, Nawabshah, Tando Adam, and Hyderabad before reaching Karachi.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Secretary Ministry of Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah said that passengers would be provided with modern travel facilities and welcomed travelers to experience the upgraded service of Pakistan Railways.

The Awam Express train service was a gift of Federal Govt for people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa and other provinces of Pakistan.

He added that the recent Quetta incident could not weaken the nation’s resolve, emphasizing that Pakistan Railways remains a symbol of national unity.

He said efforts would continue to further improve railway services and strengthen railway business operations.

Speaking at the ceremony, former Captain Shahid Afridi expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in yesterday Quetta terrorists incident and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.

 He also congratulated Pakistan Railways on the launch of the new train service and mentioned that the Shahid Afridi Foundation had installed a water filtration plant at Cantt Station.

The passengers expressed jubilation over the new train service and improved facilities therein.

They thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Federal Secretary for Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah for the start of Awam Express train service from Peshawar.

The passengers said it was a great gift of PMLN Govt for people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.