ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday instructed authorities to ensure the provision of “best, inexpensive” facilities for Pakistani pilgrims during next year’s Hajj, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report.
More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed the annual spiritual pilgrimage under the government scheme this year while the rest from a total quota of 179,210 used private tour operators.
To discuss facilities for pilgrims for next year’s Hajj, Kakar chaired a meeting of officials from the Religious Affairs Ministry, which was also attended by Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed, the report said.
“Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday directed that the best and inexpensive facilities should be ensured for the pilgrims without compromising on Hajj arrangements,” APP said.
In a statement attributed to the Prime Minister’s Office, the state-run media said Kakar was apprised of the religion ministry’s performance and steps being taken to prepare Hajj policy 2024.
The prime minister also directed participants of the meeting to keep strict vigilance on private Hajj companies so that pilgrims opting for private Hajj schemes do not face any difficulties.
“He also asked for the submission of the Hajj policy for the approval of the federal cabinet,” the report added.
Last week, Ahmed met Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and the Muslim World League’s Regional Director in Pakistan, Saad bin Masoud Al-Harthy, to discuss Hajj arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims.
According to a statement released by the religion ministry after the meeting, Malki assured Ahmed that Pakistani pilgrims would be provided additional facilities during Hajj 2024.
