ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Wednesday it had prepared the Hajj policy draft for the next year and would start receiving applications from aspiring pilgrims after obtaining approval from the federal cabinet.
The information was circulated after an online meeting between Religious Affairs Secretary Zulfiqar Haider and a senior Saudi Hajj Ministry official, Dr. Badr Alsolami.
As one of the largest countries sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Pakistan extensively coordinates with the kingdom ahead of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
During the online meeting, the Pakistani official said his country would follow the prescribed Saudi timelines while making Hajj for the next year.
“The draft of the Hajj Policy 2025 is ready,” the religious affairs ministry official from Pakistan said during the meeting. “After approval from the cabinet, we will ask people to start submitting applications.”
He said Pakistani pilgrims will be informed about the direct contact and complaint number of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
The Pakistani official appreciated the Saudi authorities for taking care of pilgrims belonging to his country in the past.
The two sides agreed to effectively raise awareness about the prohibition of unauthorized entry and illegal Hajj in the holy sites.
The Pakistani official also said his country will ensure that Hajj pilgrims meet the required physical health standards according to Saudi guidelines.
