ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, informed that the process for vaccination of intending pilgrims for Hajj would begin next week with the centers set up in all four major cities, namely Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur in Sindh.
He added that training of pilgrims is in the last leg, which is being done in phases in the country and it is to provide the intending pilgrims information regarding the Hajj processes including obligatory acts, legal requirements and the use of the Nusuk.
Sardar Yousuf said that the number of Pakistani pilgrims in the holy lands for Hajj 2025 could be more than 110,000 with approximate 89,000 intended under the government scheme and 23,000 through the private Hajj operators.
Moreover, Sardar Yousuf stated that more than 21,000 pilgrims will be travelling from Karachi airport which is part of the Road to Makkah by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during which the pilgrims will complete immigration processes at Pakistani points of exit airport instead of Saudi airport for a hassle–free process.
The minister made efforts to expand this facility to other three major cities in Pakistan namely Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar.
The Minister disclosed improvements in Hajj arrangements through the Saudi government and implementation of new initiatives like Nusuk to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The Pakistani government also made arrangements for quality residences near Haramain Sharifain, transportation 24/7, air-conditioned tents, and various amenities to keep the pilgrims comfortable. Staff from the ministry and the Muavneen will also be available to provide assistance to the pilgrims across their journey.
Sardar Yousuf assured that the ministry is working to ensure maximum facilitation for pilgrims, without concern, to perform Hajj – under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He requested for pilgrims to pray for the peace, progress, stability and prosperity of the country, and remember the nation’s martyrs.
The minister stated that on the private Hajj tour operators, that over 300,000 pilgrims from different countries including Pakistan have suffered issues due to violating Saudi‘s Hajj policies, which the government took up with the Saudi Hajj ministry and regarding which the ministry cleared over 10,000 cases from Pakistan.
The minister stated that strict measures will be taken towards negligent tour operators who did not meet requirements and commitments.
