[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="40375,40374"] A. Tanoli & Syed Mussarat Khalil JEDDAH — Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq has said that the pilgrims who come to the Kingdom are the guests of Allah and to serve them is of great value and respect. In this regard the volunteers of Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group (PHVG) are doing a commendable job, which is highly appreciated. He was addressing the PHVG certification distribution ceremony in Jeddah as chief guest which was organized to distribute the certificates among those volunteers who served the Guests of Allah during the Haj 1436 H. He said that Pakistani government is trying its level best to provide all possible facilities to the pilgrims from Pakistan. The pilgrims are being provided the best available residential and travel facilities. Mentioning the difficulties and problems faced by Pakistani Hujjaj, the ambassador praised the efforts of PHVG volunteers saying that they are helping them out to address these issues. While mentioning the importance of discipline, the Pakistani envoy stressed the need to educate the pilgrims so they can perform the Haj rituals in the best possible manner. He urged the PHVG volunteers to work with discipline by respecting the laws of the Kingdom. He told the volunteers that Pakistan government appreciates their contribution and pledges to support the organization whenever needed. Pakistan Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan, Director General Haj Sajid Yoosufani, Director Haj Syed Imtiaz Shah, PHVG Core Committee members from Riyadh and Dammam, Yousuf Ismail, Imran Hashmi, Abrar Tanoli and Yousuf Bhatti were in attendance. A large number of PHVG volunteers attended the ceremony wearing their PHVG green jackets. The function started with the recitation of few verses from the Holy Qur'an by Qari Shabbir Ahmed. Salman Arain, PHVG coordinator, welcomed all guests and highlighted the activities the group. He thanked the guests for accepting invitation on short notice. Wasim Bukhari conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. Arain explained the facilities and programs the group offers to Pakistani pilgrims each year. He highlighted the importance of welfare work in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah. He informed the chief guest that PHVG is looking for a legal cover to work more efficiently during the Haj. In this regard, the coordinator said that they are in constant touch with the Saudi authorities to address this core issue. He requested the ambassador and the DG Pak Haj Mission to extend their full support and cooperation for PHVG. Yoosufani said he was much delighted to know about the contribution of the group, vowing to remain in touch with it during his tenure in the Kingdom. He applauded the members of the group and highlighted the benefits of volunteerism, saying it can bring positivism in the society. He urged Pakistani youth to join welfare groups to serve Pakistan and its people. He asked the PHVG members to assist Pakistan Haj Mission for providing training, guidance and assistance to the pilgrims during their stay in the two holy cities. Consul General Shehryar Akber commended the services extended by PHVG volunteers to the pilgrims in previous years and assured them his cooperation and support when needed. Syed Imtiaz Shah said, "To serve the guests of Allah is our religious obligation and according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah will give rewards in this world and in the Hereafter to those who serve pilgrims." A special documentary film, prepared by PHVG Media cell. was also shown during the ceremony, focused on the history of the group along with its contribution and activities in serving the guests of Allah during Haj. Souvenirs were also presented to the Ambassador, Consul General, Director General Haj, Pak Haj Mission, Director Haj and Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf Naghi of Naghi Group, by the senior members of PHVG. On this occasion, certificates were distributed to more than 800 volunteers, supporters and media persons for their services to this noble cause.
