Hajj applications from Pakistan's Intending Pilgrims in June
By Sheeraz Aslam 'Pakistan Times' Staff Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: All arrangements are being made to invite applications from intending pilgrims for the forthcoming Hajj, from next month, Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan said on Sunday.

"We have started to hold meetings with national and Saudi Airlines to give the arrangements a final shape and timely invite applications from intending pilgrims," he said in an interview.

The Secretary said the Government has so far acquired buildings with all necessary facilities to accommodate about 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah and Madina during the next Hajj.

"About 160,000 pilgrims are likely to perform Hajj from Pakistan this year and we have started acquiring buildings to accommodate those who will opt government accommodation", he added.

He explained that the buildings are being hired to avoid any inconvenience in this regard.

This year, he said that 50 percent pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme while the rest will go through private tour operators.

He said about 100 civil and military doctors and 150 paramedics will be sent from Pakistan alongwith pilgrims for medical assistance, while medicines worth million of rupees will also be supplied to the pilgrims.

The Secretary informed that after the selection of pilgrims, extensive training will be started across the country for intending pilgrims enabling them to properly perform Hajj.

He said the pilgrims will be flown to their destination not only from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar but also from Multan, Faisalabad and Sukkur.

Special counters will be established at Hajj terminal of Jeddah airport to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims, he added.

A hospital will also be set up in Makkah besides dispensaries in Madina.

Responding to a question, he said the government will further streamline Hajj operation by improving accommodation, banking, training and travelling facilities for the intending pilgrims during next Hajj.

All decisions and recommendation with regard to improve services for these pilgrims will be implemented in letter and spirit.

He said a guide book will also be given to the intending pilgrims while Saudi decrees about the rituals of Hajj will be highlighted during the training sessions.●