All arrangements finalized to welcome intending Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: All arrangements have been finalized to welcome the intending Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan in Saudi Arabia.

This was stated by Joint Secretary and Director Facilitation and Coordination Hajj Mission Madinah al-Munawarah Ahmed Nadeem Khan, while addressing a news briefing at Hajj Mission in Madinah Munawarah today.

He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has finalized its arrangements as the month-long pre-Hajj flights operation is set to commence on Thursday.

Sharing details about the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Director Facilitation and Coordination Hajj Mission Madinah said discounted long and short packages, complimentary uniform baggage with QR coding, and essential items like head scarf for females and Ahraam belts for males would be provided to the intending pilgrims.

He said a complimentary Hajj SIM Card with data and minutes will ensure connectivity throughout this sacred journey.

The Director Hajj asked the Hajj supporting staff, including Mouvaineen, doctors, paramedics, and seasonal staff to deliver their best in extending maximum facilities to the guests of Allah Almighty, arriving at the holy places of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Madinah Al-Munawarah.

Responding to Radio Pakistan’s question, Ahmed Nadeem Khan said the Ministry of is gradually switching over its Hajj operation to end-to-end automation, and the launch of the Hajj App is one of its main features.

He said 80-90 percent of intending pilgrims have been communicated through the Hajj App about their flights, accommodation, vaccination and visa approval.

To another question, the Director Facilitation and Coordination Hajj Mission said all intending pilgrims would be accommodated in the nearest residential buildings located in Markazia, from where Masjid Nabvi is situated at hardly a 15-20 minutes walking distance.

Ahmed Nadeem Khan said over 8,000 Pakistanis have so far contacted the Ministry through the Hajj App to discuss their issues regarding the spiritual journey, which were cleared immediately.

He said there are over 60,000 active users of the Hajj App, while the number of intending pilgrims under the government scheme stands at more than sixty-seven thousand.