ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday said it isworking on introducing short and long Hajj packages as part of a governmentprogram for the annual pilgrimage next year.
More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims have made the pilgrimage under thegovernment program this year, while the rest, out of a total quota of179,210, have used private tour operators. Pakistani pilgrims who go onHajj pilgrimage under the government program must stay in the Kingdom for40 days.
“Efforts are underway to introduce both short and long Hajj packages inthe government scheme,” Pakistan’s interim religious affairs minister,Aneeq Ahmed, said during a debriefing session for Hajj 2023 on Thursday,according to a statement from his office. According to a statement from hisoffice, Aneeq Ahmed, Pakistan’s Acting Minister of Religious Affairs isunderway to incorporate short and long Hajj packages into the governmentcurriculum that is underway.
“An agreement has been reached to rapidly complete accommodation, food andtransport facilities in Saudi Arabia.” Ahmed said the government iscommitted to ensuring “first-class facilities” for Pakistani pilgrims andthat next year’s Hajj activities will focus on the pilgrims’ education andfitness. “We will work hard to instill confidence in the training,organization and holistic fitness of the pilgrims,” he added. According tothe statement, the minister is expected to make a trip to Saudi Arabia”soon” to finalize arrangements and provide facilities for the pilgrims.
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In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route initiative in Pakistan and4 other countries, simplifying visa, customs and health requirements forHajj pilgrims at departure airports. them, allowing them to saveconsiderable time before departure and upon arrival in the Kingdom.