ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT+APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and
Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf is currently on an
official visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss arrangements for the Hajj-
2017.
The minister, during a nine-day visit from January 16 to 24,
would hold meetings with his Saudi counterpart and other
authorities, and discuss matters relating to Hajj for this year,
official sources told APP Tuesday.
Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Khalid Masood Chaudhry
and Joint Secretary (Hajj), Tahir Ehsan are also accompanying the
minister.
Recently, National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious
Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has appreciated the government for
smooth and timely conduct of Hajj-2016, terming the pilgrimage
arrangements ‘unprecedented.’
The committee meeting, chaired by Hafiz Abdul Kareem, in one
voice had commended the government efforts for extending maximum
facilities to Pakistani pilgrims here and during Hajj rituals in
Saudi Arabia.
The body was of the view that extensive arrangements were in
place for accommodation, food, transportation, medical treatment and
guidance of Pakistani Hujjaj at the holy land.
It had observed that the strategy of the Ministry of Religious
Affairs to send 50 percent Hujjaj to Madina Airport and 50 percent
to Jeddah airport and vice versa, had worked as the number of Hajj
complaints remained at the lowest level.
“During the Hajj-2016, maximum facilities were provided to
Hujjaj at the minimum package and its credit goes to the ministry,
government and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif,” it noted.
The committee had lauded the government that it under the able
leadership of Prime Minister also got abolished Umra fee amounting
to 2,000 Riyals and thanked the Saudi authorities in this regard.