Pakistan Finalizes Preparations for Hajj Pilgrims’ Arrival in Saudi Arabia

Islamabad, The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has completed all necessary arrangements to welcome Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, as announced by Joint Secretary and Director Facilitation and Coordination Hajj Mission Madinah al-Munawarah, Ahmed Nadeem Khan, during a news briefing today in Madinah Munawarah.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the pre-Hajj flights operation is set to commence this Thursday, with the ministry introducing several new initiatives to assist pilgrims. These include discounted travel packages, uniform baggage with QR coding, complimentary head scarves for female pilgrims, Ahraam belts for males, and a Hajj SIM Card equipped with data and minutes to ensure connectivity during the journey.

Director Khan emphasized the importance of the supporting staff, including Mouvaineen, doctors, paramedics, and seasonal staff, in providing the best possible services to the pilgrims at the holy sites in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Madinah Al-Munawarah. He also mentioned the ministry’s shift towards automating the Hajj process, highlighted by the launch of the Hajj App, which has already informed 80-90 percent of intending pilgrims about their flight schedules, accommodations, vaccination, and visa statuses.

Responding to inquiries, Khan noted that all pilgrims would be accommodated in residences close to Masjid Nabvi, with most located within a 15-20 minute walk. He also reported that the Hajj App had been instrumental in resolving over 8,000 queries from Pakistani pilgrims, demonstrating its effectiveness and the ministry’s commitment to a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all attendees.