103,000 Pakistani pilgrims reached SA: Director Hajj

Hajj Director Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah on Monday said that around 103,000 Pakistani pilgrims have reached Makkah, Madina and Jeddah for performing the holy rituals of Hajj.

In an interview, he said that pilgrims would be provided best facilities for residence, food and treatments throughout the journey. He said many buildings have been rented in Azizya area of Makkah and other areas of the city for the pilgrims.

The Hajj director said that areas where these pilgrims will be residing have been divided into 9 sectors with their respective in-charges and deputy in-charges who will accommodate the Hajj pilgrims at the earliest in any situation.

This year, the facilities have been upgraded as compared to the last year, he said, and added that a special call centre has also been set up for the complaints from the pilgrims. More than 1,800 calls and complainants have been registered up till now and most of them have been entertained, he added.

He said a hospital has been established in Azizya along with eight dispensaries in different areas to treat the Hujjaj in case of any untoward situation. He said another special centre has also been set up for those whose luggage gets misplaced at the airport.

He said the Hajj Ministry would also provide prayer matt and a pillow to the pilgrims in Mina as gifts this year.

• Monitoring cell established to facilitate pilgrims

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established a monitoring cell to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims under Private Hajj Scheme.

In an interview in Makkah on Monday, Monitoring Cell In-charge Imran Rashid said the Ministry is also taking steps to protect interests of the pilgrims coming under private scheme.