Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has arrived in Saudi Arabia to assess the arrangements for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. As thousands of Pakistani pilgrims begin to arrive in the holy cities, Minister Hussain’s visit aims to ensure smooth operations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, mandates every financially and physically capable adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime. This year, Pakistan’s Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims, with 63,805 individuals participating under the government scheme and the remainder through private tour operators. The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19.
Accompanied by Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman, the additional secretary of the religious affairs ministry, Minister Hussain was warmly welcomed by officials of the Pakistan Hajj Mission upon his arrival at Jeddah airport. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with senior officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as well as representatives from the Pakistani Hajj Mission.
The minister will receive briefings on Pakistan’s Hajj operations at the control office in the Pakistan Hajj Mission and will also interact with Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. Additionally, he will assess various arrangements, including accommodations for pilgrims and catering services.
Ahead of the official start of Hajj, approximately 15,819 pilgrims from Pakistan have already arrived in Saudi Arabia. The government has established control rooms in Makkah and Madinah to assist pilgrims and ensure a hassle-free experience throughout their pilgrimage.
