ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs is considering a set of proposals aimed at facilitating Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, on top of which is a recommendation to limit the duration of the pilgrims’ stay to less than 40 days.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Minister of State for Religious Affairs Shagufta Jumani were given a detailed briefing by ministry officials on Wednesday.
The ministry suggested that PIA officials should be asked to cut the pilgrims’ stay of 40 days in Saudi Arabia to an appropriate number in order to handle the pilgrims better. Shah suggested establishing “Pakistan House” in Makkah, adding that all rental accommodation for pilgrims should be located within 1.8km to 2km radius of the holy mosque. Another proposal regarding the deposit of the amount for sacrificial animals with the National Bank of Pakistan for Haj 2011was also forwarded.
