Pakistan envoy urges compatriots not to go for Haj without permit

Manzoor Ul Haq

JEDDAH: Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq urged his compatriots not to go for Haj without Haj permits and to follow the country’s laws with respect.
He explained to Pakistani nationals that they should respect the law of the Kingdom as they always do, and those who came on visit or business visas, and have no Haj permits, should not go to perform Haj.
He also said that Saudi government spends billions of riyals to maintain facilities and give comfort, safety and security to the pilgrims who come to perform Haj from around the world, and have established rules for the pilgrims who want to perform Haj.
It is everyone’s responsibility, for those who live in different parts of the Kingdom, and those who came from Pakistan, to respect the Kingdoms laws for their own benefit.
The government of Saudi Arabia has already launched its campaign “No Haj without a permit,” and Makkah Governorate has issued a package of penalties to be imposed on individuals and companies who violate the Haj laws and regulations.
The Saudi government has already announced that performing Haj without permit is a violation punishable with the deportation of the perpetrator, and a 10-year ban on his/her entry to the Kingdom.
People should not transport pilgrims without permits and transportation licenses, otherwise they will be penalized with a SR100,000 fine and face two years in prison.
The offender shall not be released, even on bail, according to the government statement.
This year a total of 142,000 Pakistani pilgrims are performing Haj, out of which, 105,000 have already arrived and reached Makkah.
The Pakistani mission has contracted 140 buildings to accommodate their pilgrims in Makkah, a medical mission with 450 doctors, and 1,000 guides and helpers are available to assist pilgrims.