Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Pakistan’s outstanding Hajj 2026 arrangements, describing the prestigious Labbaytum Excellence Awards as a matter of national pride and an acknowledgment of the country’s commitment to serving pilgrims with professionalism and integrity.
During a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and award-winning Hajj organizers in Islamabad, the prime minister congratulated the recipients for earning international recognition through their exceptional services during Hajj 2026.
According to a briefing presented during the meeting, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia honored three Pakistani private Hajj organizers with the Labbaytum Excellence Award for providing outstanding facilities and services to Pakistani pilgrims. 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.
In addition, Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro received the prestigious Labbaytum Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to the successful management of Pakistan’s Hajj operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the award winners, saying their dedication, honesty, and commitment had enhanced Pakistan’s image on the international stage. He stated that quality service, integrity, and hard work are the foundations of a successful nation and encouraged Hajj officials to maintain these high standards in future operations.
The prime minister also appreciated Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with ministry officials and staff, for ensuring smooth and well-organized Hajj arrangements that earned international appreciation from Saudi authorities.
He emphasized that the Saudi recognition reflects global confidence in Pakistan’s ability to provide world-class services to pilgrims under both government and private Hajj schemes. According to the prime minister, the achievement not only earned the prayers of pilgrims but also strengthened Pakistan’s international reputation.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia. During the conversation, the Saudi governor congratulated Pakistan on its successful diplomatic efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
The prime minister thanked the Saudi leadership for its continued support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace and stability through diplomacy and cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his friendship and unwavering support for Pakistan.
Concluding the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Prince Fahd to visit Pakistan, reaffirming the strong brotherly relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
