In Islamabad, the Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and InterfaithHarmony, Aneeq Ahmed, revealed on Friday that Saudi Arabia’s governmentintends to enhance services for Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj in 2024.
This announcement followed a comprehensive meeting in Riyadh with SaudiMinister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, attended byPakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, and Deputy Chief ofMission, Moazam Khan.
During the discussions, the religious minister emphasized the plan toimprove accommodations, meals, and transportation for Pakistani pilgrims,aiming for a more comfortable experience. He also urged his Saudicounterpart to promptly finalize the flight schedule for Pakistani pilgrimsand make arrangements for them to stay closer to the holy sites in Makkahand Madinah.
Additionally, he proposed expanding the ‘Road to Makkah’ project toairports in Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Aneeq Ahmedexpressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian ofthe Two Holy Mosques, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammadbin Salman for their unwavering support in providing top-notch facilitiesto pilgrims.
He praised the Saudi government’s continuous efforts to enhance servicesfor pilgrims from Pakistan. Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiqbin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to furthercooperation with Pakistan and highlighted ongoing initiatives to improveservices for Pakistani pilgrims.
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He mentioned restrictions on private tour operators worldwide, with arequirement for each to serve a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims. The expansion ofthe ‘Road to Makkah’ project to cities like Karachi and Lahore was alsounder consideration.
Both ministers concluded the meeting by expressing their mutual desire tostrengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia andPakistan.
