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In pictures: Overseas Hajj pilgrims rejoice after two-year COVID-19 absence

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Saudi Arabia announced in April that one million Muslims, including 850,000 from abroad, would be able to perform Hajj this year.

MECCA: Of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims arriving in Mecca this week for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, perhaps none had a more arduous journey than Adam Mohammed, a 53-year-old electrical engineer from the United Kingdom.

Mohammed, who is of Iraqi-Kurdish origin, decided last year to travel on foot to Saudi Arabia, a journey of more than 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles) that took him through nine countries before he crossed over from Jordan into the northwestern Saudi town of Tabuk.

Muslim pilgrims arrive outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5. — AFP
Muslim pilgrims arrive outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5. — AFP

The trip was made all the more dramatic by the fact that when he started his trek 11 months ago, pushing a cart in front of him that contained his food and other supplies, he had no idea whether he would be able to access the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.

It was only in April that Saudi Arabia, which barred overseas pilgrims in 2020 and 2021 as part of efforts to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic, announced that one million Muslims, including 850,000 from abroad, would be able to participate this year.

A Muslim pilgrim arrives outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July. — AFP
A Muslim pilgrim arrives outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July. — AFP

Now safely in Mecca, some 15 kilograms (33 pounds) lighter than when he started, Mohammed has no regrets.

“I cried when I first arrived. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he told AFP.

“My trip was exhausting. I stopped in many places for rest. But I was focused on one thing: I am 53 years old, so what if I spare 11 months on the road to reach the house of God? It’s doable.”

Pilgrims are pictured at Jabal al-Noor ´mountain of light´, overlooking the holy city of Mecc. — AFP
Pilgrims are pictured at Jabal al-Noor ´mountain of light´, overlooking the holy city of Mecc. — AFP

Mohammed said Saudi authorities granted him and his wife and two daughters, who have flown from the UK to the Gulf kingdom, a permit to participate in the hajj, which consists of a series of religious rites completed in Mecca and surrounding areas of western Saudi Arabia.

Most of the other foreigners performing the rite have been selected via a lottery system.

Muslim pilgrims arrive outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5. — AFP
Muslim pilgrims arrive outside the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5. — AFP

‘It is my dream’

One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj must be undertaken by all able-bodied Muslims who have the means at least once in their lives.

But pandemic restrictions forced countless would-be pilgrims based outside Saudi Arabia to put their plans on hold.

A female pilgrim prays atop the Jabal al-Noor or ´Mountain of Light. — AFP
A female pilgrim prays atop the Jabal al-Noor or ´Mountain of Light. — AFP

Usually one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, about 2.5 million people participated in 2019, before the pandemic began.

The following year, foreigners were blocked and the total number of worshippers was capped at 10,000 to stop the hajj from turning into a global super-spreader.

Muslim worshippers perform Isha prayer at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP
Muslim worshippers perform Isha prayer at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP

That figure rose to 60,000 fully vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents in 2021.

Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige and a powerful source of legitimacy for Saudi rulers.

Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP
Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP

The ban on overseas pilgrims caused deep disappointment among Muslims worldwide, who typically save for years to take part.

Though the number is much higher this year, there are still some restrictions: participants must be Muslims aged under 65 who are fully vaccinated and can submit a negative Covid-19 PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of travel.

A Muslim worshipper prays with hands raised towards the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP
A Muslim worshipper prays with hands raised towards the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP

The hajj officially begins Wednesday, and Mecca is already overrun with worshippers who, like Mohammed, are relieved to have finally reached their destination after long, stressful waits.

A 30-year-old Russian pilgrim who gave her name as Halima said she had been imagining her stay in Mecca for more than a decade.

Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP
Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca. — AFP

The hajj costs at least $5,000 per person, and Halima said she shared her story with friends to drum up funds for both her and her father to come.

“Yesterday was the first time I saw the Kaaba,” she said, referring to the large black cubic structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque.

Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5, 2022. — AFP
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia´s holy city of Mecca on July 5, 2022. — AFP

“It is my dream to be here, and now I am living it.”

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May 9 tragedy: Anchors reflect on loss and condemn memorial desecration.

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As the nation commemorates the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of May 9, anchors from various media platforms shared their moving views on the significance of the day and the martyrs’ enduring impact.

“The martyrs of any nation are the crown of that nation,” stated one anchor, evoking the great reverence and respect showered upon those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Another person confirmed their sentiment, stating that nations’ development and progress are inextricably linked to the blood poured by their martyrs.

Anchors paid respect to the fallen heroes’ heroism, emphasising the deep sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to the nation. “Martyrs have sacrificed everything for the sake of the country,” stated one anchor, their comments echoing the gratitude felt by millions across the nation.

Nonetheless, amid the mournful memory, anchors expressed outrage about the vandalism of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9. “On May 9, some miscreants burned the memorials of their martyrs to fulfil the nefarious purposes of unknown people,” shouted one anchor, criticising the brazen act of disrespect.

As anchors reflected on the nefarious goal behind the attack on the country’s installations, the question of motive loomed big. “Who did we please by attacking the country’s installations, and what kind of protest was it?” asked one anchor, emphasising the importance of accountability and justice.

Anchors emphasised the importance of quick and decisive action, calling for all those engaged in the desecration to face justice. “All those involved in such mischief must be brought into the Kfir role,” said an anchor, unwavering in the face of such heinous deeds.

Amid the condemnation, anchors underlined the great debt owed to the martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan. “Martyrs have sacrificed their lives for this land of Pakistan, which is their favour to us,” acknowledged one anchor, their comments a sad reminder of the debt owed to those who have given everything for their country.

As the country reflects on the events of May 9, anchors emphasise the necessity of remembering and commemorating the martyrs’ sacrifices. “Nations that forget their benefactors are obliterated by the attributes of history,” warned one anchor, emphasising the timeless need to preserve the memory and legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Anchors were together in condemning anyone who would strive to undermine the nation’s unity and strength, taking a firm position against any danger to national integrity.

“Anyone who would assault our national integrity under the pretence of protest is in no way forgivable,” said one anchor, their comments a clear call to unity and vigilance in the face of adversity.”

Finally, as the nation honours and pays tribute to the May 9 martyrs, anchors emphasise their unshakeable commitment to honouring their memory and upholding the principles for which they fought so heroically. “To the extent that army men sacrifice for us, they have no personal gain,” declared one anchor, capturing the attitude of selflessness and sacrifice that marks Pakistan’s martyrs’ legacy.

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Families of army martyrs want justice for the May 9 mayhem.

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As the nation commemorates the sombre anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, the families of the dead martyrs continue to deal with tremendous loss and a sense of injustice.

One year after the heartbreaking events, their anguish is apparent, and their tears attest to the lasting pain of loss.

The relatives of the martyrs expressed their feelings in emotional professions of love and remembrance, their voices filled with emotion. “I am proud that Allah chose my son for martyrdom,” remarked the mother of Captain Taha Hashmi Shaheed, echoing her son’s steadfast dedication and sacrifice.

However, despite their pride, worries about the legacy of those who gave their life for their country persist. “Did the sacrifices of these martyrs go in vain?” said another weeping mother, her pain echoing that of countless others who have lost loved ones.

For the families, the destruction of the memorials created in memory of the dead soldiers on May 9 was an inexcusable act of contempt. “The desecration of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9 was intolerable,” lamented Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister, her grief obvious in her words.

Calling for justice, the families encouraged the government to take immediate and decisive action against those guilty for the tragic events of May 9. “I appeal to the government to take strict action against those responsible for May 9,” Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister pleaded, echoing many others’ feelings.

The families felt great betrayal, and their faith was challenged by the conduct of individuals who desecrated the memory of their slain heroes. “The tragedy that happened on May 9 is highly condemnable,” said Naik Islam Kashif Zuberi Shaheed’s sister, her words tinged with disbelief and outrage.

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Another IHC court orders contempt action against nasty campaign.

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Another letter has emerged from the Islamabad High Court, highlighting a rising trend of aggressive campaigns against the court.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has also written to the IHC chief justice, requesting him to file contempt of court proceedings against individuals involved in the alleged smear campaign.

This event follows a similar letter delivered yesterday by Justice Babar Sattar to the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, suggesting a concerted effort among judges to address what they see as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity and authority.

According to officials in the judiciary, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised the importance of taking action against anyone guilty for spreading misinformation or engaging in activities that are considered contemptuous of the court.

In response to Justice Sattar’s letter, the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on Monday regarding the judge’s social media campaign. The court has announced that contempt proceedings will be initiated in response to the alleged hostile campaign against Justice Sattar.

According to reports, Justice Babar Sattar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq about a social media campaign against him. The court then decided to treat the letter as a contempt of court action.

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