ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed on Tuesday stated that the government is committed to providing all possible facilities to Pakistani pilgrims.
Pakistan authorities will discuss an increase in the country’s quota for the Hajj pilgrimage during the Saudi Hajj Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah’s four-day visit, he said while talking to a Private news channel.
Minister said the visit of Saudi minister is historic and was of great importance for Pakistan, adding, multiple issues related to facilities for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as the extension of the Route to Makkah project to other cities within Pakistan will be discussed.
If they (the Saudi delegation) agree, our Hajj quota will be the highest in the world based on the new census, he continued. “We will also discuss the increase in Hajj quota according to the population of Pakistan under the new census,” he said.
In response to a query, the Minister revealed that an upcoming memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed during the Saudi minister’s visit to enhance future Hajj preparations.
When discussing the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he clarified that the “Road to Makkah” initiative refers to the immigration process for Hujjaj (pilgrims), which will be executed from Pakistan. Upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia, they will encounter no challenges, he assured. –APP
