PM lauds Saudi recognition of Pakistan’s Hajj services as national honour

• Premier Shehbaz says global acclaim for Hajj 2026 arrangements reflects dedication and integrity

• Three Pakistani private organizers receive prestigious Labbaytum Excellence Awards

• Saudi governor congratulates Pakistan on diplomacy behind Islamabad MoU

• Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to regional peace and strong Pakistan-Saudi ties

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed the international recognition earned by Pakistan’s Hajj 2026 arrangements, describing the honours conferred by Saudi Arabia as a matter of pride for the entire nation and a testament to the government’s sustained efforts to improve services for pilgrims.

Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and recipients of prestigious Saudi awards for Hajj services, the prime minister said the global acknowledgment of Pakistan’s Hajj management reflected the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all those involved in facilitating pilgrims.

اسلام آباد: 24 جون 2026.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی وزارت مذہبی امور اور نجی شعبے سے تعلق رکھنے والے حج 2026 کے منتظمین سے ملاقات ہوئی اور وزیرِ اعظم کو بریفنگ دی گئی.

بریفنگ میں بتایا گیا کہ نجی شعبے کے تین پاکستانی منتظم اپنی اعلیٰ کارکردگی کے باعث ایوارڈ حاصل کرنے میں… pic.twitter.com/UtshlNdBvu

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 24, 2026

“Service, hard work and integrity are the qualities that make nations great,” the prime minister said, according to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing.

During a briefing, the prime minister was informed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had honoured three Pakistani private Hajj organizers with the prestigious ‘Labbaytum Excellence Award’ in recognition of the outstanding facilities and services provided to Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2026.

The award recipients included Muhammad Affan Zeeshan of Al-Meraj Organizer, Muhammad Shahid Rafique of Ibrahim Organizer, and Zaeem Akhtar of Al-Fatah Organizer, who secured first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro was also awarded the ‘Labbaytum Excellence Award’ in recognition of his exceptional performance and contribution to the successful management of Hajj operations.

Recepients of the Labbaytum Excellence Award for best performance in Hajj 2026 operations meet the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 24 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/DF1d1jKFvj

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 24, 2026

The meeting was attended by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Secretary Religious Affairs Abrar Ahmed Mirza, DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Meraj Organizer Muhammad Affan Zeeshan, CEO of Ibrahim Organizer Muhammad Shahid Rafique, and CEO of Al-Fatah Organizer Zaeem Akhtar Siddiqui.

The prime minister congratulated all three organizers and the DG Hajj on receiving the awards and commended their outstanding performance.

He also appreciated Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with the officers and staff of the ministry, for ensuring exemplary arrangements for Hajj 2026.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the recognition by the Saudi government reflected international acknowledgment of the quality of services provided to pilgrims under both the government and private Hajj schemes and brought honour to Pakistan.

He observed that through their dedicated service, the organizers had not only earned the blessings of Allah Almighty and the prayers of pilgrims but had also enhanced Pakistan’s reputation on the international stage.

Expressing confidence in the future performance of the Hajj administration, the prime minister said he expected the same standards of hard work, integrity, and service to be maintained and further improved during future Hajj operations, enabling Pakistan to earn even greater recognition.

PM receives telephone call from Governor of Tabuk Province

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday received a telephone call from the Governor of Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Royal Highness Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Tabuk Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During their most warm and cordial conversation, His Royal Highness the Governor… pic.twitter.com/8Hn6F02Qb2

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 24, 2026

During what was described as a warm and cordial conversation, the governor congratulated the prime minister on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, according to a separate news release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister thanked Prince Fahd for his kind words and said Pakistan’s peace efforts were aimed at promoting regional peace and stability with the support of brotherly countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Recalling the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed profound gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his affection and support for Pakistan.

The prime minister also extended an invitation to the governor to visit Pakistan.