ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs minister held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review arrangements for this year’s Hajj, a statement from the religious ministry said, announcing a 500-people strong medical mission for the annual pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia has reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year and removed the age limit of 65.
“The government will be establishing several departments to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims in the Kingdom, including lost and found, guidance, complaint cell, food, accommodation and travel, and a monitoring cell to oversee the functioning of the private hajj companies,” the ministry’s statement said, quoting Minister Talha Mahmood who chaired Wednesday's Hajj arrangements' meeting.
In order to deal with medical emergencies, 14 dispensaries, including a central hospital, would be set up in Makkah and Madinah cities, the statement said.
“The Hajj medical mission, comprising 500 experienced army and civil doctors and paramedical staff, will be sent to Saudi Arabia for the purpose,” he said. "The Pakistani medical staff will be available around the clock to provide medicines, x-rays, and laboratory facilities to the pilgrims free of charge."
The government, the minister said, had also selected more than 500 Hajj volunteers, comprising employees of the federal and provincial civil secretariats, paramilitary Rangers, police, and Rescue 1122, to assist Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Reception desks for Pakistani pilgrims would also be established at Jeddah and Madinah airports, he said.
On Tuesday, Senator Talha said the government would not provide free Hajj facilities to any politicians or influential personalities this year, and all pilgrims would be treated equally regardless of their social status.
