ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, who recently returned from an official trip to Saudi Arabia, paid for his Haj expenses out of his own pocket.

An official from the National Assembly Secretariat told Dawn that while the visit was official in nature, Mr Sadiq paid for all expenses on his own.

“This decision, while seemingly simple, sent a powerful message in a time where many in public office are criticised for extravagance at the cost of public money. His self-financed Haj during an official visit is being appreciated across the spectrum, and rightly so,” the official said.

The official said the speaker’s presence in Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman at a crucial time highlights Pakistan’s continuing commitment to Muslim unity.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025