Saudi Envoy speaks at National Day reception in Islamabad
A large number of political personalities, federal ministers, high-ranking military and civil officials and ambassadors attended a reception hosted by Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri to mark the 77th national day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23.
Speaking on the occasion, Asseri said: "The Saudi government has always been very keen to provide all Muslims with extensive facilities to enable them to perform the rituals in the Holy Land. In this context, billions of dollars have been invested to expand as well as modernize the Holy Ka'aba and the Masjid-e-Nabvi (Prophet's Mosque) and added new facilities around the holy places. A large number of pilgrims are being accommodated every year to perform Hajj.
According to the latest statistics, the number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land annually has risen from an estimated 100,000 in 1925 to around 12 million today. Of these, the majority come for Umrah through the course of the year, still leaving 3 million who come at the same time for Hajj.
Asseri said the Saudi government has been able to create a congenial atmosphere of peace and harmony. "It is committed to the welfare of the society, the provision of jobs and maximum use of manpower. The government is working on the solid lines of fair distribution of national income and opportunities for investment and labour. Efforts are being made to diversify the economic base and reduce dependence on the oil income. Practical steps are being taken to encourage private sectors to function in the development of the nation side by side with the public sector."