MADINAH: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has finalized its arrangements to welcome Pakistan’s intending Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as the month-long pre-Hajj flight operation is set to start on May 9.
Joint Secretary and Director of Facilitation and Coordination (F&C) Ahmed Nadeem Khan said in a media briefing at the Main Control Office (MCO) in Madinah that by the grace of Allah Almighty, they were very hopeful that the pre-Hajj arrangements will ensure a smooth Hajj operation.
He said this was an annual large-scale Hajj operation for the ministry, both in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and they were making all-out efforts to make it a smooth operation and ensure maximum facilitation.
Facilities for Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims
The ministry has introduced several new initiatives, including discounted long and short packages, complimentary uniform baggage with QR coding, and essential items like Ahraam belts for males and a head scarf for females. Moreover, a complimentary Hajj SIM card with data and minutes ensures connectivity throughout the journey.
The mandatory Hujjaj App, designed to educate, track and help pilgrims in performing Hajj obligations, reflected the ministry’s commitment to facilitating a seamless pilgrimage experience, he said.
Addressing the Hajj supporting staff, including Mouvaineen, doctors, paramedics and seasonal staff, Nadeem Khan encouraged them to deliver their best in extending maximum facilities to the guests of Allah Almighty arriving at the holy places of Makkah and Madinah.
He stressed that their performance would be minutely evaluated, and no negligence would be tolerated.
In response to a query, Nadeem Khan said the ministry was gradually switching over its Hajj operation to end-to-end automation, and the launch of the Hajj app was one of its main features.
