Latest news with #GovernmentHajjScheme
Arab News
29-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Pakistan secures Hajj facilities upgrade through deal with Saudi Al-Rajhi company
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has finalized arrangements for its Hajj pilgrims in coordination with Saudi Arabia's Al-Rajhi company, upgrading tents and amenities at key pilgrimage sites under a new agreement aimed at improving services for those traveling under the Government Hajj Scheme, an official confirmed Thursday. The deal with Al-Rajhi, a licensed Tawafa company responsible for assisting foreign pilgrims in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, marks a significant step in elevating standards traditionally reserved for private tour groups. The move comes as Pakistan seeks to improve the experience for nearly 89,000 pilgrims performing Hajj this year under the state-run scheme. In total, 114,698 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj beginning June 4, including 25,698 under private operators. As of Thursday, 84,638 government-sponsored pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia on 329 flights, while 17,959 private pilgrims had also reached the kingdom. Pre-Hajj flight operations are scheduled to conclude on May 31. 'An agreement was signed with the Tawafa company Al-Rajhi for Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and all arrangements and facilities at the sacred sites are being finalized for this year's Hajj,' Muhammad Umer Butt, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, told Arab News from Makkah over the phone. He said pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme will now benefit from upgraded camp infrastructure. 'Air conditioners and extra fans have been added to the tents along with air coolers,' he informed, adding that modern sofa-cum-beds with partitions on both sides have been introduced to prevent the spread of infections caused by breathing or sweating. Additional improvements include luggage racks, sliding doors in place of traditional tarpaulin sheets, gypsum board tent walls, artificial grass carpeting in corridors, protective sunshades, fans along walkways and designated shoe racks. For the first time, Pakistani medical teams will be stationed at each camp to provide support in addition to Saudi medical services. 'A first aid team will be added to every camp, where doctors and medical staff will be available at all times,' Butt said. He said Pakistan's Hajj mission had also worked closely with Saudi authorities and the Maktab system to implement a transport strategy across the sacred sites, or Mashair, to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. 'Saudi authorities have issued special instructions to protect pilgrims from the extreme weather conditions, and our mission ensures that these instructions are communicated clearly and understandably to all Pakistani pilgrims,' he added. A dedicated complaint management cell has been set up to address pilgrims' concerns in real time. 'A total of 2,241 complaints were received regarding lost luggage, out of which 2,209 were resolved with the luggage delivered to the concerned pilgrims,' Butt said. 'In Madinah, 636 bags were misplaced during handling, of which 630 were recovered and returned,' he continued. He said that around two dozen pilgrims who had gone missing from their groups in Makkah and Madinah were also successfully located and reunited. More than 39,000 Pakistani pilgrims completed their visit to Riyad al-Jannah — the sacred area in Masjid al-Nabawi believed to be a garden from Paradise — mostly using the official Nusuk app in Madinah. For those unfamiliar with the digital system, special permits were arranged for 14,000 individuals. Butt praised Saudi Arabia's digital Hajj infrastructure and logistical planning, which he said had greatly eased the pilgrimage experience for visitors from around the world.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Hajj 2025: A Journey of Faith, Comfort, and Care
Abdul Wahab Soomro said that Pakistani Government's Hajj scheme continues to set new benchmarks Listen to article Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the diligent supervision of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, the Government Hajj Scheme for 88380 pilgrims is being elevated to unprecedented heights to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. Key initiatives have been implemented to enhance the overall pilgrim experience. The Pakistani Government's Hajj scheme offers the lowest-cost Hajj package globally, providing superior facilities compared to both public and private sector Hajj programs worldwide. To further enhance accessibility, the Short Hajj Scheme was introduced for the first-time last year, attracting 17,000 pilgrims in 2024, with registrations increasing to 21,000 in 2025. This initiative ensures affordability without compromising on essential services. Pilgrims are now given the option to choose between single, double, or triple-bed rooms at an additional cost, allowing for personalized comfort. Additionally, family rooms are provided free of charge wherever possible, enabling families to stay together conveniently. This enhancement ensures a more comfortable and cohesive experience for pilgrims traveling with loved ones. Due to the non-uniform nature of buildings in Makkah, accommodations are allocated based on pilgrim profiling, ensuring optimal convenience. However, assignments are ultimately randomized while maintaining integration with flight schedules and departure points. This systematic approach balances fairness with logistical efficiency. To minimize the risk of lost belongings, unique, standardized luggage has been provided to all pilgrims, designed to be easily identifiable even from a distance. Additionally, Mina bags have been introduced to discourage pilgrims from carrying large bags into Mina, reducing congestion and inconvenience for others. For the first time in the history of the Government Hajj Scheme, air-conditioned tents with gypsum board partitions and sofa beds have been introduced in Mina. These sofa beds feature head partitions, which help prevent the spread of communicable diseases, allergies, and bad breath. Overhead shelves have also been installed to store Mina bags, effectively addressing space constraints in the tents. This year, 56% of pilgrims will be accommodated in Old Mina, while 44% will stay in New Mina. Transportation in Mashair will be facilitated by 73% train usage and 27% bus usage, ensuring smooth mobility for all pilgrims. For the second consecutive year, 100% of pilgrims will be housed in Madina Markazia, ensuring proximity to the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). The accommodations in Madinah range from 3 to 5-star buildings, while Makkah stays include iconic structures such as Hiddaya Towers and Rayyan Towers, among other highly rated facilities. Pilgrims will benefit from modern, air-conditioned buses for Salwat transportation, ensuring comfortable commutes between their residences and the Haram Sharif. Additionally, an exceptionally diverse and rich menu has been curated, catering to the varied taste preferences of pilgrims from different regions of Pakistan, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all. To safeguard the health and well-being of pilgrims, around 400 medical and paramedical officers are deployed across dedicated healthcare facilities. These include one well equipped hospital and nine dispensaries in Makkah, along with one hospital and two dispensaries in Madinah. In collaboration with Saudi German Hospital and other leading medical institutions, this robust healthcare network ensures 24/7 emergency care, routine medical assistance, and prompt response to health concerns, providing pilgrims with peace of mind throughout their journey. A dedicated team of 1,200 Pakistan-based staff and 600 Saudi-based local welfare personnel works tirelessly in coordination with Service Provider Company Al Rajhi to assist pilgrims at every stage of their journey. From airport assistance and accommodation logistics to transportation coordination to Haramain, this extensive support network ensures smooth operations. Additionally, staff members are readily available to address food arrangements, luggage handling, and any complaints, guaranteeing a hassle-free and memorable Hajj experience for all pilgrims. The Pakistani Government's Hajj scheme continues to set new benchmarks in affordability, comfort, and logistical efficiency. Through innovative measures such as air-conditioned Mina tents, family-friendly accommodations, optimized luggage systems, and high-quality transportation, the program ensures a seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience. These enhancements demonstrate a strong commitment to facilitating Hajj with maximum convenience at minimal cost. These measures reflect the government's unwavering commitment to prioritizing pilgrim comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.
Express Tribune
14-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Hajj: deadline for third installment ends today
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced that Friday (February 14) is the deadline for depositing the third installment under the Government Hajj Scheme. According to a ministry's spokesperson, all pilgrims must ensure the payment of their third installment at the designated banks by tomorrow. He also advised the pilgrims to collect a computerized receipt. Additionally, he said pilgrims have the option to modify their preferences regarding sacrificial arrangements, duration of their stay (short or long), room facilities, and departure points through their respective banks.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Feb 14 last date to submit third installment for Hajj 2025
Listen to article The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that Friday, February 14, is the final deadline for pilgrims to submit the third installment under the Government Hajj Scheme. According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, all applicants must ensure their payments are made at designated banks by tomorrow to avoid cancellation of their Hajj applications. He urged pilgrims to collect a computerised receipt of their payments from their respective bank branches. 'Failure to submit the installment may result in the cancellation of the Hajj application,' he warned. Butt also stated that pilgrims could still modify their preferences regarding sacrificial arrangements, accommodation options, and departure points by coordinating with their banks. Meanwhile, he confirmed that the refund process for Rs4.75 billion saved from Hajj 2024 is ongoing. 'Most banks have already transferred the refunded amounts to the accounts of last year's pilgrims,' he said. Those who have yet to receive their refunds are advised to contact their respective bank branches.
