Religious affairs minister reviews Hajj arrangements in Saudi Arabia

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf visited the Pakistan Hajj Mission office in Azizia, Saudi Arabia, to review Hajj arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, where senior officials briefed him on operational preparations and facilities being provided to pilgrims.

Director General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and other senior officers welcomed the minister and presented a detailed briefing regarding accommodation, transport, food and grievance redressal arrangements for pilgrims.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Yousuf said he had reached Saudi Arabia on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review Hajj arrangements and ensure maximum facilities for pilgrims. He said that according to the prime minister’s vision, every possible measure should be taken for the convenience and comfort of Hajj pilgrims.

The minister praised the arrangements made by the Saudi government, calling them exemplary and commendable. He stressed that no effort should be spared in serving Hajj pilgrims and directed officials to ensure that there were no shortcomings in the grievance redressal system.

Religious Affairs Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza said the planning phase of Hajj arrangements was being coordinated to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage season.

Hajj DG Abdul Wahab Soomro informed the minister that around 119,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were being hosted this year. He added that the Saudi government had introduced helpline 1966 during the Mashair period to facilitate pilgrims.

Hajj Director in Makkah Arif Rao said the mission remained in constant contact with pilgrimage companies and Saudi authorities regarding Hajj arrangements. He stated that 273 residential buildings had been acquired in the Azizia, Hai Naseem and Batha Quraish areas of Makkah for accommodating pilgrims.

Officials also briefed the minister on transport and food arrangements. The food coordinator informed that food complaints this year were less than one percent. Transport officials said that 450 buses had been arranged for Haram transport in Makkah, while Saudi shuttle services were suspended 30 minutes before each prayer to control rush and traffic congestion.

Hajj Director in Madinah Zahid Sohail informed the minister that all Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in Madinah had completed visits to Riyadh Al-Jannah. He added that for the first time in history, a large number of 119,000 pilgrims had been provided accommodation in the Markaziya area of Madinah.