Hajj Director General (DG) Dr Sajid Yousafani on Wednesday said that every possible step is being taken to provide utmost facilitation to the Pakistani pilgrims.
Talking to a private news channel, he said that spacious and comfortable buildings were hired in Madina, close to Masjid-e-Nabvi, so that pilgrims can easily and promptly go there for worship. Similarly, well-furnished residences have been hired in Makkah.
The DG said 1,08,355 pilgrims, including 61,477 under government and 46,878 under private Hajj scheme have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia.
He said that 393 volunteers, 180 seasonal staff, and 923 local guides have been hired to help the pilgrims.
Yousafani said that a three-time quality meal and modern transport facilities are being provided to the pilgrims. He asked pilgrims to follow food timings so that they can enjoy freshness of the meals. He said fresh seasonal fruit like apples or oranges are also being served to them.
The DG said that the pilgrims are ambassadors of Pakistan and they should not do anything, which can damage their country’s image. He said strict discipline is needed during pilgrims’ stay at Mina, Muzdalfa, and Arafat.
He said that the Saudi government has fixed timings for stoning the devil for each Maktab and pilgrims are advised to follow the schedule.
He said that in view of hot weather, pilgrims should keep a water bottle and an umbrella with them to avoid heatstroke.
