General

Hajj-2023: 40,000 Pakistani intending pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Over 40000 Pakistani intending pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia through 158 different flights.

Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Javed Iqbal reports from Makkah, that out of these 13095 have arrived in Makkah after completing their eight-day stay at Madinah while others have been accommodated in Madinah Munawwarah.

These numbers also include 1000 hajj pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia under private hajj scheme through 18 hajj group operators.

According to the spokesperson of Ministry of Religious Affairs, Muhammad Umar Butt the Ministry’s monitoring team has completed the assessment of 12 hajj group operators.

He said arrangements are being made to provide the sacrifice coupons for the pilgrims at their accommodations.

Umar Butt said 522 Moavineen including medical mission is present in Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims in every possible manner.

Out of these 334 are deputed at Makkah, 172 at Madinah while 19 at Jeddah Airport.

It is pertinent to mention that this is first full force Hajj after 2019 in which around 17,9,000 Pakistani pilgrims will participate.

On the other hand, Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Aftab Akbar Durrani has said Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has made exemplary arrangements for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia aimed to improve the image of Pakistan. Talking to APP, he said Pakistani pilgrims have also demonstrated resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.

Source: Radio Pakistan