INTERNATIONAL — May 30, 2026
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Hajj Minister Attends Closing Ceremony in Makkah
Noor Mohammad Saqib, Minister of Guidance, Hajj and Endowments of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, attended the international closing ceremony of this year's Hajj in Makkah at the invitation of Saudi authorities.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — corroborated by Pajhwok — 2 min read

Noor Mohammad Saqib, Minister of Guidance, Hajj and Endowments of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, participated in an international conference in Makkah marking the end of this year's Hajj season.
Saqib attended the event at the invitation of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Saudi Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah thanked the participating delegations, including Afghanistan, and announced the start of preparations for the 1448 Hijri Hajj season.
Saqib held sideline meetings with officials from several countries to discuss matters of mutual interest. He also expressed thanks to the Saudi government and service providers for the facilities extended to Afghan pilgrims.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate the core event based on the same Afghan ministry statement; on-record attribution from named ministers and concrete event details
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Minister Saqib attended the Mecca closing ceremony at Saudi invitation
- Saudi minister praised Afghan delegation's role and launched 1448 Hajj preparations
- Saqib expressed thanks to Saudi authorities
- Sideline bilateral meetings occurred
Where reports differ
- Minor variation in ministry name: 'Guidance, Hajj and Endowments' vs 'Hajj and Religious Affairs'
Filed by 2 outlets
Ariana News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Pajhwok
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Noor Mohammad Saqib, Hajj, Saudi Arabia, Mecca, Afghan ministry
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International

Iran’s Ghalibaf Says Actions, Not Assurances, Will Decide Any Deal
— Reliable

US Defense Secretary Hegseth Says Prepared to Resume Strikes on Iran if Talks Fail
— Reliable

Iranian and Omani Foreign Ministers Discuss Strait of Hormuz Management
— Reliable

Russia Opens Office for Veterans of Soviet War in Afghanistan in Donetsk
— Reliable