JEDDAH : Saudi Arabia):, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and preparations for Hajj 2024. Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to the Saudi government for the excellent services provided to pilgrims. He praised the innovative approaches of Saudi institutions in serving the guests of Allah, highlighting the ongoing exemplary reforms by the Saudi government that improve each year, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals more efficiently.
Additionally, he mentioned positive developments regarding Pakistan House in Mecca and Medina, commending the outstanding work of Saudi companies serving the pilgrims. During the meeting, the Saudi Minister of Hajj expressed concern over the incomplete number of private pilgrims from Pakistan, noting that transport agreements for 40,000 private pilgrims are still pending. He expressed hope that private Hajj group operators would finalize all agreements within the next four days.
Pakistan’s Minister for Hajj urged Hajj group operators to strictly adhere to Saudi guidelines and assured the Saudi Minister that the Ministry of Hajj in Pakistan would take action against any group operators causing difficulties for pilgrims due to delays. Additional Secretary Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman and Director General of Hajj, Abdul Wahab Soomro, were also present at the meeting.