Pakistani Hajj Organizers Win Top Saudi Awards as PM Shehbaz Sharif Praises Excellence in Hajj Services
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday (June 24) lauded the outstanding performance of Pakistan's Hajj management team and private Hajj organizers after four Pakistani representatives received the prestigious Labbaytum Excellence Award from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing exemplary services to pilgrims during Hajj 2026.
During a meeting and briefing with officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and leading private-sector Hajj organizers, the Prime Minister was informed that three Pakistani private Hajj operators secured top positions in the international recognition program. Muhammad Affan Zeeshan of Al-Mairaj Organizer won first position, Muhammad Shahid Rafiq of Ibrahim Organizer secured second place, while Zaeem Akhtar Siddiqui of Al-Fattah Organizer achieved third position.
The Prime Minister was also briefed that Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro received the Labbaytum Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional performance and contributions to Hajj operations.
Congratulating the award recipients, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the recognition by the Saudi government reflected the high standard of services provided to Pakistani pilgrims under both the government and private Hajj schemes. He described the awards as a matter of great honor for Pakistan and a testament to the country's commitment to serving pilgrims.
The Prime Minister also commended Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with all officers and staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, for their role in ensuring successful Hajj arrangements.
He stated that the international appreciation of Pakistan's Hajj management was the result of the government's continuous efforts and the ministry's dedication, adding that the achievement was a source of pride for the entire nation.
“Service, hard work and integrity are the qualities that make nations great,” the Prime Minister said. He added that those involved in serving pilgrims had not only earned the blessings of Almighty Allah but also the prayers of the pilgrims while bringing honor to Pakistan.
Expressing confidence in the future performance of Hajj organizers and officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he expected them to maintain and further improve the standards of service in the coming years and win even more international recognition.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Secretary Religious Affairs Abrar Ahmad Mirza, Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, Al-Mairaj Organizer CEO Muhammad Affan Zeeshan, Ibrahim Organizer CEO Muhammad Shahid Rafiq, and Al-Fattah Organizer CEO Zaeem Akhtar Siddiqui.