ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said on Thursday it was working to introduce both short and long Hajj packages as part of the government scheme for next year’s annual pilgrimage.
More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed the pilgrimage under the government scheme this year while the rest from a total quota of 179,210 used private tour operators. Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Hajj under the government’s program have to stay for 40 days in the Kingdom.
“Efforts are underway to introduce both short and long Hajj packages in the government scheme,” Pakistan’s interim religious affairs minister, Aneeq Ahmed, said during a debriefing session for Hajj 2023 on Thursday, according to a statement from his office.
“An agreement has been reached to promptly finalize accommodation, food, and transportation facilities in Saudi Arabia.”
Ahmed said the government was dedicated to ensuring “top-notch facilities” for Pakistani pilgrims and next year’s Hajj arrangements would focus on the education and physical fitness of pilgrims.
“We will work diligently to instill confidence in the comprehensive training, organization, and fitness of the pilgrims,” he added.
As per the statement, the minister is scheduled to embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia “soon” to finalize arrangements and amenities for the pilgrims.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced the Makkah Route initiative in Pakistan and four other countries, streamlining Hajj pilgrims’ visas, customs, and health requirements at their departure airports, thus saving them substantial time both before departure and upon arrival in the Kingdom.
