ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached Hajj Agreement 2020 in Makkah, an official handout circulated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Wednesday, adding that 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims would undertake their spiritual journey to Islam’s most sacred cities next year.
The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri and Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Benten.
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony signs Hajj agreement in the holy city of Makkah with Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Benten on December 4th, 2019. (Photo courtesy: Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony)
According to the press release, the Pakistani delegation demanded several facilities for their country’s pilgrims while interacting with the Saudi authorities.
It asked for an additional Hajj quota for Pakistan and said that the “Road to Makkah” project should be extended to other cities as well.
The official handout claimed that the Saudi minister described Pakistan’s participation in the scheme last year as “extremely successful.”
He continued that Pakistan’s request for additional Hajj quota would be taken up with the Kingdom’s higher authorities, though he also said there was limited space in Mina.
The two sides also agreed to set up a joint committee to address any possible complaints from the pilgrims related to Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
The Pakistani delegation will also hold official meetings with Saudi authorities on Thursday.
