ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs minister Aneeq Ahmed discussed arrangements for the upcoming Hajj with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Wednesday, Pakistan’s religion ministry said in a statement.

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. Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Hajj under the government’s program have to stay for 40 days in the Kingdom.

Last month, Ahmed undertook a week-long visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss expanding the Makkah Route Initiative beyond Islamabad with Saudi government officials.

During the meeting on Wednesday, which was also attended by the Muslim World League’s regional director in Pakistan, Saad bin Masoud Al-Harthy, Ahmed praised the Saudi government for the arrangements it made during this year’s Hajj.

“As per details, the religious affairs minister exchanged views with both personalities on arrangements regarding the upcoming Hajj and matters of bilateral interest during the meeting,” a statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said.

Ahmed said his weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia in September proved “very successful,” adding that next year Pakistani pilgrims would be provided even better facilities during Hajj.

“Karachi has also been included in this year’s Makkah Route project,” Ahmed said, adding that Hajj pilgrims from the southern port city of Pakistan would be able to avail customs and immigration facilities from Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia introduced the initiative in Pakistan and four other countries to provide customs and immigration services to pilgrims at the point of departure so that it saves them substantial time upon reaching the Kingdom. According to official statistics, more than 26,000 Pakistani pilgrims benefited from the facility at the Islamabad airport this year.

“After reaching Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will be sent to their residences quickly,” Ahmed said.

According to MoRA, Malki said pilgrims would be provided more facilities during next year’s Hajj. “Only seven countries have been included in the Makkah Route Initiative and Pakistan is among these countries,” he was quoted as saying by MoRA.