ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Mohammad Yousaf on Saturday arrived in Saudi Arabia where he will review arrangements made for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims, Yousaf’s ministry said.
Pakistan is expected to send more than 179,000 pilgrims for Hajj this year. Of these, 119,000 will travel under the government scheme, while the remaining will be facilitated through private tour operators.
The country kicked off its pre-Hajj flight operation on Apr. 18. Most Pakistani pilgrims this year are traveling under Saudi Arabia’s Route to Makkah Initiative, which allows travelers to complete immigration and customs procedures before departure from Pakistan.
Yousaf performed Umrah pilgrimage and met Pakistani pilgrims at Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, who expressed satisfaction over arrangements under the government Hajj scheme, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.
“Yousaf will stay in the residence reserved for Hajj pilgrims,” the ministry said. “The minister for religious affairs will review the ongoing Hajj arrangements in Makkah, Madinah and other sacred places.”
He will meet his Saudi counterpart and other dignitaries during the visit, according to religious affairs ministry. Yousaf will visit various institutions providing accommodation, food, transport and other facilities to Pakistani pilgrims.
So far, 91,000 Pakistanis pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia via 362 Hajj flights under the government scheme, according to the religious affairs ministry. Another 26,000 Pakistanis under the private Hajj scheme are also present in the Kingdom
The ministry said 106 flights will bring the remaining pilgrims to Saudi Arabia by May 21.
“Under the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission, 367 doctors and medical staff are serving pilgrims,” it added.
