143,368 Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year

The federal government has announced Hajj policy for year 2014 under which 143,368 Hujjaj will perform Hajj this year.

Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced at a press conference that the original Hajj quota of 179,210 allocated to Pakistan for year 2012 was reduced by 20% last year due to expansion plan of Haram Sharif and was accordingly fixed as143,368.

He said that the Hajj scheme 2014 will be implemented through government scheme and private Hajj group organizers (HGOs) in the ratio of 50 percent each.

The minister said that the applications for Hajj-2014 under Government Hajj Scheme will be received on the principle of “first come, first serve”.

He said that the applications under government scheme will be invited through designated banks from April 21 and there will be no free Hajj as per practice.

FACILITATION CENTRES FOR PILGRIMS:

Director General Hajj (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Syed Abu Muhammad Akif said that special counters along with medical teams would be established at airport to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims.

Talking to media, he said that around 150 medical practitioners and doctors would be available to provide medical treatment to Hajis at Makkah and Madina.

Akif said that Hajis must read and understand Hajj application forms and pilgrims with any medical problem should avoid traveling for Hajj or come along with someone to take their care.

He said that volunteers and teachers would provide information and guidance to pilgrims about performing Hajj after their arrival in Saudi Arabia.

He said that our pilgrims should abide by prescribed instructions and rules during Hajj.