Pakistani student Usman Arshad has embarked on an awe-inspiring and courageous 4,000-kilometer journey on foot, fulfilling his long-cherished dream of reaching Makkah for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Starting from his hometown of Okara in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the 25-year-old student traversed multiple countries, overcoming various challenges along the way, until he finally set foot in the holiest city of Islam.
Armed with only a small backpack, an umbrella, and a pair of sturdy trekking shoes, Arshad embarked on this pilgrimage with unwavering determination. It took him approximately five and a half months to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and catch sight of the first roadside sign pointing towards Makkah within the sacred land. In a phone interview from Saudi Arabia, Arshad shared his remarkable journey with Arab News, recounting the extreme weather conditions he faced, from scorching heat to freezing cold, highlighting that his perseverance and patience were guided by his unwavering faith in Allah.
Arshad initially conceived the idea of embarking on this extraordinary pilgrimage in 2021, when he undertook a 34-day walk from Okara to the Khunjerab Pass on the border with China, covering a distance of 1,270 kilometers, to promote a positive image of Pakistan. Encouraged by the impact of that journey, he dedicated the following nine months to meticulous preparation, supported by his family, and managed to save approximately $6,800 to cover his expenses.
His original plan was to travel from Pakistan to Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and then to Saudi Arabia on foot. However, due to visa-related difficulties, Arshad had to modify his itinerary along the way. He had sought assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain visas before commencing his journey, but unfortunately, he was unable to secure a visa for Iraq.
Throughout his arduous trek, Arshad encountered numerous kind-hearted individuals who were deeply moved by his mission and offered him invaluable support and hospitality. Reflecting on his journey, Arshad expressed his gratitude for the respect and generosity he experienced, particularly upon learning that he was undertaking this extraordinary pilgrimage on foot.
When Arshad embarked on this remarkable journey last year, Hajj visas were not yet issued by the Kingdom, which is why he entered Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. With this year’s Hajj approaching in late June, Arshad now plans to seek approval from Saudi authorities to perform Hajj on his current visa or request a change in its category. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as waiting for the opening of Hajj visas would have hindered his ability to reach his destination on foot within
the given timeframe. Arshad is hopeful that Pakistan’s foreign and religious affairs ministries will extend their support to facilitate his participation in this sacred ritual.
In an earlier interview with Arab News, shortly after embarking on this extraordinary voyage, Arshad shared that his journey was profoundly transforming him and shaping his future aspirations. Having completed his studies in media and communications at the University of Okara, his newfound passion for travel has led him to consider a full-time pursuit of exploring different places and countries, intending to share his experiences and insights with others. Arshad’s remarkable pilgrimage stands as a testament to the power of faith, determination, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of incredible challenges.