poc holders allowed
| |

POC holders allowed to perform Hajj under Pakistan…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Holders of the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will now be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official Hajj quota, according to sources familiar with the development.

Sources said one per cent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will be reserved for POC holders. The decision is expected to provide an opportunity for overseas Pakistanis of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship or passports to perform Hajj through Pakistan’s quota for the first time.

Under the arrangement, 1,792 POC holders will be eligible to perform Hajj using Pakistan’s allocated quota.

The sources said Saudi Arabia has allowed POC holders to be included in Pakistan’s Hajj quota. The permission is being described as a significant development for people of Pakistani origin living abroad who have surrendered their Pakistani citizenship or passports but retain their connection with the country through the Pakistan Origin Card.

POC holders will reportedly be eligible to benefit from both the government and private Hajj schemes. This will give eligible applicants the option of choosing between the two arrangements, subject to the applicable rules and requirements.

The allocation of one per cent of the overall quota means that a specific number of pilgrims of Pakistani origin will be accommodated within Pakistan’s annual Hajj arrangements without holding Pakistani citizenship.

The facility is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who have maintained strong links with Pakistan despite giving up their citizenship. The Pakistan Origin Card provides such individuals with a formal connection to the country and facilitates their access to several rights and services.

Sources said the inclusion of POC holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been permitted by Saudi authorities following discussions concerning arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims.

The move is expected to benefit members of the Pakistani diaspora who have previously faced limitations in performing Hajj through Pakistan because they no longer possess Pakistani passports.

The development comes as preparations for the upcoming Hajj season continue. A large number of Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under both government and private schemes.

The government has also been working on arrangements concerning accommodation, transportation, medical facilities and other services for Pakistani pilgrims.

The inclusion of POC holders could further strengthen the connection between Pakistan and its overseas community, particularly those who continue to maintain cultural, family and social ties with the country.

Similar Posts

  • Thailand Sets General Election for February 8, 2026

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK – Thailand’s Election Commission has officially scheduled the kingdom’s next general election for February 8, 2026. The announcement follows the dissolution of the House of Representatives, which took effect on December 12 after a Royal Decree was issued at the request of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Election Commission Chief Targets February 8 for General […]

  • | |

    Sharjeel Memon accuses PML-N of holding power thro…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday launched a sharp criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the ruling party of coming to power through a “fake mandate” and challenging it to contest fresh elections in Punjab to prove its public support. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Sharjeel Memon alleged that the PML-N government lacked genuine electoral legitimacy and was holding office on the basis of what he described as “Form 47.” He claimed that the party did not secure the mandate of the people in the 2024 general elections and questioned its popularity, particularly in Punjab. Addressing recent political developments, Memon alleged that serious electoral irregularities had taken place during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He claimed that the polls were marred by extensive rigging and criticized the conduct of the electoral process. Referring to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks, he said her statements reflected what he described as “theft followed by defiance,” accusing the ruling party of attempting to justify its actions instead of addressing concerns raised by the opposition. The senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader said the PML-N government was surviving on what he termed a “charity mandate” rather than genuine public support. He reiterated his claim that the party’s government was a product of “Form 47,” a reference frequently used by opposition parties in connection with allegations regarding the 2024 general election results. Memon argued that the people of Sindh had clearly expressed their confidence in the Pakistan Peoples Party during the 2024 elections by voting in its favor. He contrasted the PPP’s electoral performance with that of the PML-N, claiming that the ruling party had suffered a significant political setback despite ultimately forming the federal government.   Continuing his criticism, the Sindh minister challenged the PML-N leadership to dissolve the Punjab government and seek a fresh public mandate. He claimed that if elections were held again in the province, the ruling party would fail to secure the support it claims to enjoy. According to Memon, public opinion in Punjab does not reflect the electoral outcome that brought the PML-N to power. He further alleged that the leadership of the PML-N had repeatedly left the country after reaching political agreements, contrasting that with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s political history. Memon maintained that PPP leaders had remained in Pakistan during difficult political periods and continued to face challenges rather than leaving the country. The provincial minister also accused federal ministers belonging to the PML-N of attempting to influence the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that several federal ministers remained present in Mirpur Division until the morning of polling day and sought to influence the local administration. According to Memon, the actions of the federal ministers amounted to a violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct. He alleged that government officials were pressured during the election process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the polls. The remarks come amid continuing political tensions between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz over electoral legitimacy, governance, and recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the conduct of elections, while the ruling coalition has rejected allegations of irregularities and maintained that the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the law. Sharjeel Memon concluded by reiterating his challenge to the PML-N leadership, insisting that a fresh election in Punjab would provide the true test of the party’s public support and determine whether it genuinely enjoys the confidence of the electorate.

  • | | |

    Iran says US military weaker as Hormuz crisis deep…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has intensified its rhetoric against the United States as attacks on commercial shipping and stalled peace efforts deepen uncertainty over the future of the war, with Tehran warning that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an adviser to the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said in an interview with PBS that the US military had proved “weaker than what we perceived” during the five-month conflict. Naqdi said Iran had gained valuable battlefield experience during the war and claimed Tehran would continue to emerge victorious. “The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain,” he said, arguing that Iranian forces had learned how to confront the US military through direct experience. His comments came as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply. Shipping data showed only eight vessels were tracked through the waterway on Tuesday, below a 10-day average of about 12 and the lowest daily figure since August 5. Before the conflict, the strait typically handled around 130 to 140 vessels a day. The slowdown has heightened fears over global energy supplies because Hormuz is a crucial route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The International Maritime Organization has previously warned of serious risks to vessels and seafarers operating in the area. Shipping attacks raise fresh alarm Tensions also spread to other maritime chokepoints. Four crew members were reportedly killed in a suspected Houthi attack on a cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while two Yemeni rescuers were also killed, according to reports cited in the source material. The US military separately said an MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship after the vessel allegedly ignored warnings linked to a blockade of Iranian ports. Maritime sources said the incident occurred off Pakistan in the Gulf of Oman. The attacks have added to concerns that the conflict could disrupt shipping routes connecting the Gulf with the Red Sea and beyond. Iran sets conditions for reopening Hormuz Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen unless Washington agreed to Tehran’s demands, including the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to conflicts across the region. Iran’s parliament is also preparing legislation that would restrict military and commercial vessels from countries Tehran considers hostile from entering the Gulf without Iranian authorisation. The proposed law is intended to strengthen Iran’s control over the strategically important waterway. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has continued to combine threats with suggestions that negotiations could eventually produce a settlement. He has claimed the United States has control over the Strait and warned Iran against further escalation. Oil markets have already reacted to the uncertainty. Brent crude rose 1.4 per cent to $88.91 a barrel, while US crude gained 1.3pc to $83.20. Pakistan seeks diplomatic space Amid the worsening security situation, Pakistan has continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran and met President Masoud Pezeshkian, with both sides stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral political, economic, trade, cultural and security ties. Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s commitment to closer relations and said Tehran was ready to expand cooperation with Islamabad. Naqvi said his visit was aimed at following up on understandings reached between the two countries and accelerating implementation of existing agreements. With military rhetoric rising, shipping routes under pressure and negotiations at an apparent impasse, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a crisis whose consequences could extend far beyond the Middle East.

  • | |

    War leaves Gaza zoo animals malnourished

    ByJustpaste.in

    GAZA/CAIRO: The war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on animals, with shortages of food, medicine and vaccines leaving many of them weak and malnourished. At a zoo near the Nuseirat refugee camp, visitors found animals showing clear signs of the difficult conditions. A lion remained largely inactive inside its cage, while chimpanzees sat quietly in their enclosure. The zoo is being operated by Mahmoud Gomaa, who has worked to keep the animals alive despite the continuing crisis. He previously ran a zoo in Rafah but was forced to leave the area after Israeli military operations reached the city in 2024. Gomaa said saving the animals became a priority for him during the war. He moved the surviving animals from one location to another before eventually settling in Nuseirat, where he reopened the zoo earlier this year. He said he had faced enormous difficulties in finding food and providing basic care for the animals. Before the war, Gaza had several zoos that housed wild and exotic animals. The conflict, however, has made maintaining such facilities extremely difficult. Veterinarians say the shortage of suitable food has affected the animals’ health. Some zoo owners have been forced to feed animals frozen meat because fresh food is difficult to obtain. The war has also caused direct losses among Gaza’s animals. When Gomaa left Rafah, he said he had to abandon three lions, several crocodiles and African ostriches. When he later returned, he found only the bones of the crocodiles and ostriches. The lions had also disappeared. Animal welfare experts say the impact of war extends beyond food shortages and physical injuries. Continuous explosions, aircraft noise and fighting can cause severe stress among animals. Veterinarian Amir Khalil, who has visited Gaza with the animal welfare organisation Four Paws, said animals can detect sounds and disturbances that humans may not notice. He said the constant conflict creates fear and extreme stress for them. Despite the harsh conditions, the zoo has become a temporary place of relief for some children. Children visiting the facility were able to interact with parrots and smaller monkeys. For many, it offered a rare opportunity to step away from the destruction surrounding them. Residents say children have few places left where they can play. Large parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble, while many families continue to live in tents. The zoo therefore serves a purpose beyond displaying animals. It provides children with a brief moment of normality amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. Yet keeping the facility operating remains a major challenge. Limited supplies, damaged infrastructure and the continuing conflict threaten both the animals and the people caring for them.

  • |

    Anil Kapoor misses Satish Kaushik in heartfelt Friendship day note

    ByJustpaste.in

    Anil Kapoor has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Satish Kaushik, who passed away in 2023. The veteran actor took to Instagram to mark Friendship Day with an emotional message dedicated to him. Along with his note, Kapoor posted a nostalgic clip from one of the films he made with Kaushik. The clip brought back memories of their years spent working together and building a lasting friendship. Kapoor began his caption by wishing his followers a happy Friendship Day. He then shifted his focus to Kaushik, writing that he was missing his dear friend deeply on this particular day. He went on to reflect on what made their bond so special. According to Kapoor, everyone has that one friend they turn to during frustrating moments, sad days, or simply when they need a laugh. He said Satish was exactly that person for him. Their conversations, he explained, never needed to go beyond that comfortable, easy space friends naturally share. Kapoor also spoke fondly about Kaushik’s talent. He recalled his humour, his infectious energy, and the sense of positivity he always brought into any room he entered. Towards the end of his note, Kapoor reflected on how rare true friendships like theirs really are. He described them as a blessing rather than something people should ever take for granted. He said that on this particular Friendship Day, his thoughts were with Kaushik. He then closed the post with a simple, heartfelt message, wishing his late friend a happy Friendship Day and expressing his love for him. Over the years, Kapoor and Kaushik shared the screen together in several memorable films. These included Deewana Mastana, Mr. India, and Thar. Their real-life friendship often carried the same warmth that fans saw in their on-screen collaborations. Kaushik passed away at the age of 66 on March 9, 2023, following a sudden heart attack. His death came as a major shock, both to the film industry and to fans who had grown up watching his work over the decades. Even years after his passing, heartfelt tributes like this one from Kapoor continue to show just how deeply Kaushik’s presence and friendship are still missed by those who knew him best.

  • | | |

    Phuket Nui Beach: A Model for Thailand’s Coastal Encroachment Reform

    ByJustpaste.in

    Phuket – The recent government-led effort to reopen public access to Nui Beach in Phuket may appear at first glance to be a local dispute over land use. Yet, the case has quickly become emblematic of a broader national challenge: how Thailand manages its natural resources, enforces the law, and protects the public’s right to […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *