Mecca: The Pakistan Hajj Mission has played a key role in resolving visa issue of Usman Arshad, a Pakistani student who accomplished the astonishing feat of covering a staggering distance of approximately 5,400km on foot in six months and 13 days to fulfill his dream of performing Hajj.
Upon his arrival at the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Mecca, Usman, a student of BS Mass Communication at the University of Okra, was greeted with a rousing welcome.
The Director General Hajj, appreciating Usman’s remarkable journey, presented him with gifts as a token of recognition and encouragement.
Director General Abdul Wahab Soomro told APP that the mission had successfully facilitated Usman’s Hajj visa.
Soomro encouraged the youth of Pakistan to cultivate the habit of walking.
He emphasised that Usman served as an exemplary role model for Pakistani students.
Despite initially holding only an Umrah visa, Usman’s dream of performing Hajj was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and the Saudi authorities, who helped granting him a Hajj visa.
Encountering difficulties in obtaining a Hajj visa in Saudi Arabia, Usman sought the assistance of Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro.
Usman explained his predicament of having an Umrah visa, as the issuance of Hajj visas had not yet begun when he embarked on his journey.
Extraordinary journey
Recognising the urgency, Soomro promptly contacted the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith leaders, along with the Saudi Authorities, to expedite the process of facilitating Usman’s Hajj visa.
Talking to APP, the 25-year-old Usman shared his remarkable tale of embarking on an extraordinary journey with just a modest rucksack, an umbrella, and a reliable pair of trekking shoes.
Demonstrating unparalleled determination and unwavering devotion, Usman crossed multiple countries, including Iran, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, until he received a heartfelt welcome from the Pakistan Hajj Mission.
Throughout his incredible expedition, he said that it cost him Rs850,000 and maintained an impressive daily walking range of 35 to 60km.
The idea of walking to Mecca first came to Usman’s mind in 2021. He embarked on a 34-day journey, covering an astounding distance of 1,270 miles from Okara to the Khunjerab Pass, situated on the Chinese border.
This remarkable feat aimed to project a positive image of Pakistan, showcasing Usman’s determination and spreading a message of goodwill.
Usman expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Pakistan Hajj Mission, and the Saudi Authorities, with a special mention of Director General Hajj, for their invaluable support in facilitating the acquisition of his Hajj visa.
