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Saudi Arabia has introduced mandatory Nusuk food vouchers for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan and three other countries, introducing a new requirement that is expected to increase the cost of Umrah travel packages. Under the new policy, every eligible Umrah pilgrim will be required to purchase a food voucher valued at around 20 Saudi riyals per day. The amount will be added directly to the total Umrah visa fee, making it a compulsory part of the application process rather than an optional service. The decision is likely to affect thousands of Pakistanis planning to perform Umrah in the coming months. Travel operators believe the additional cost will increase the overall price of Umrah packages, especially for families and groups traveling for several days. Following the announcement, travel agencies in Pakistan and the other affected countries have started reviewing their existing Umrah packages. Many are expected to revise their prices to reflect the additional charges introduced under the new regulations. Industry representatives said tour operators will also update package details to ensure pilgrims are fully informed about the revised costs before making their bookings. They added that the inclusion of the food voucher in the visa fee will require agencies to adjust their pricing structures accordingly. The food vouchers will be issued through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk system, the Kingdom’s official digital platform for Umrah services. The initiative is aimed at improving the organization of services provided to pilgrims and ensuring access to designated meal facilities during their stay. Saudi Arabia has introduced several reforms in recent years to modernize Umrah and Hajj services through digital platforms and standardized procedures. The latest measure is part of those broader efforts to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims while improving the management of religious tourism.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership cannot distance itself from the recent shooting incident on Rawalpindi’s Mall Road. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the incident was deeply regrettable and alleged that the man involved had links with the PTI and had remained in contact with the party’s leadership. According to the minister, the suspect had previously stayed at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House and had met members of the PTI leadership. He also allegedly carried the party’s flag and appeared in social media videos showing attacks on security forces. Chaudhry said a security personnel was injured when the attacker opened direct fire on Mall Road. He argued that the PTI leadership could not simply deny responsibility by claiming that the individual had no connection with the party or suffered from mental health problems. “If his mental condition was not stable, why did he attack a security official instead of his own family or a party leader?” Chaudhry asked. He questioned why the individual had allegedly been placed at the frontline of protests if the party had no association with him. The minister accused the PTI of promoting a political culture based on confrontation, violence and hatred. He said the government had repeatedly urged the party to avoid spreading hostility and unrest among young people. Chaudhry linked such politics to previous violent incidents, including the events of May 9 and November 26, and warned that continuing to promote hatred could lead to further incidents. He also criticised what he described as vandalism and arson carried out in the name of politics. He questioned what the PTI had achieved for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during its long period in power in the province. “Setting things on fire and creating disorder is not politics,” he said, adding that such actions neither served the party nor the province. Referring to future political activities, Chaudhry warned that similar incidents could occur again if party workers continued to be exposed to what he described as hateful and inflammatory rhetoric. He also criticised PTI founder Imran Khan’s statements and speeches, alleging that they had contributed to political polarisation and unrest. Chaudhry further accused PTI supporters of disrespecting security personnel and national heroes, including through social media posts targeting the country’s fallen soldiers. The minister said investigations into the Rawalpindi incident were progressing and that authorities were conducting a transparent inquiry. He assured that the findings would be made public once the investigation was completed. Chaudhry said the government would not allow Pakistan to be pushed into further political instability and warned that those involved in attacks would face legal consequences.