Makkah: Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has termed this year's Hajj as an exemplary success announcing that preparations for the next year's pilgrimage have already begun following the receipt of the Saudi Hajj Policy and timeline. Addressing a post-Hajj news conference in Makkah on Tuesday, he attributed the success of this year's Hajj operations to the special interest and able leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister congratulated all Hujjaj on successfully completing their sacred journey and reiterated the government's commitment to ensure timely and improved arrangements for next year in line with the guidance provided by Saudi authorities. He highlighted that Pakistan's DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro has been honoured with an Excellence Award by the Saudi Minister of Hajj in recognition of his innovative leadership, administrative excellence, and outstanding services. The DG was ranked first among seven heads of Hajj missions.
Our Correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema reports from Makkah that Sardar Muhammad Yousaf stated that significant improvements in pilgrim facilities and a 72% reduction in complaints were witnessed this year as compared to last year. Sharing details, he said for the first time in the government Hajj scheme's history, air conditioners along with coolers were installed in tents in Mina. Additionally, gypsum board walls, sofa-cum-beds, overhead shelves, and shoe racks were provided for the comfort of pilgrims.
Furthermore, he said B-category facilities were provided at a D-category fee, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. The pilgrims were served five meals a day, including three fresh and two packed, along with juices, tea, mineral water, and ice cream in Mina and Arafat. Acknowledging the smooth execution of Hajj operations despite disruptions caused by the Pakistan-India conflict, the Minister said Pakistan Hajj Mission, in collaboration with PIA, ensured the timely arrival of all pilgrims.
He termed the government Hajj scheme as the most economical in the region while maintaining high-quality services. He added that the Short Hajj Scheme, introduced last year, witnessed a notable rise in registrations from 17,000 to 21,000. Regarding accommodation, he informed that 186 safe and comfortable buildings were hired in Makkah for pilgrims, offering free family accommodation where possible, while in Madinah, 100% of pilgrims were accommodated in three and five-star hotels in close proximity to Masjid al-Nabawi (SAWW).
On the food arrangements, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said 22 catering companies were engaged in Makkah and 13 in Madinah after a transparent process. He went on saying that Nazim Scheme was first time introduced under which one Nazim was deputed for 188 pilgrims, providing them comprehensive guidance and support from accommodation to movement between holy sites. Moreover, 1,050 Moavineen were also deployed for the overall facilitation of the Guests of Allah Almighty.
Speaking about healthcare, he said a team of 400 medical professionals, including doctors and paramedics, delivered round-the-clock medical services. He added that 72 seriously ill pilgrims were especially facilitated to perform Hajj via ambulance, with a dedicated tent in Arafat. Meanwhile, the Minister also expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their excellent arrangements and historical hospitality extended to over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims.