Latest news with #HajjGroup
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Arab News
Pakistan says has introduced ‘historic' new facilities for Hajj pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: Director Hajj in Makkah, Azizullah Khan, said on Tuesday Pakistani pilgrims will this year enjoy 'historic facilities' in Mashair, sacred sites used during the Hajj pilgrimage, including fully air-conditioned camps in Mina with sofa-cum-beds, and improved accommodation in Makkah. Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has launched mobile apps like Nusuk, Hajj Navigator, Tawakkalna and Asefny to streamline services, with the aim to make the Hajj experience smoother by offering real-time guidance and ensuring pilgrim safety. For the first time, Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will have access to fully air-conditioned camps in Mina and be accommodated in top-of-the-line hotels and buildings in the Azizia and Batha Quraish neighborhoods. Pilgrims will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information. A mobile app will provide access to Hajj group information, training schedules, flight details, accommodation details, and live maps and locations during the pilgrimage. 'For the first time in history, Hujjaj will have sofa-cum-beds instead of mattresses while tents are upgraded with gypsum board walls and air coolers have been replaced with air conditioners,' Khan told Radio Pakistan, adding that elevated luggage storage racks had also been introduced to enhance comfort. 'Dedicated sections are overseeing food, health and transport related arrangements round the clock for maximum facilitation of the pilgrims,' he said, adding that 99 percent of pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia had received Nusuk cards. The cards are an essential Hajj permit, not just an ID, for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and the holy sites. It facilitates movement and ensures the well-being of Hajj pilgrims by managing logistics and administration. The card also allows pilgrims to access information about their Hajj mission, schedules, and allows for communication with their mission. Additionally, it enables receiving alerts, evaluating services, and filing observations. Compulsory Hajj training has been made available for all pilgrims in Pakistan, starting from Jan. 18, 2025, with details accessible through the 'Pak Hajj 2025 Mobile App.' For the government Hajj scheme, the option of three easy installments has been introduced for the first time. All Hajj-related financial transactions have also been digitized, ensuring transparency and accountability. Pakistan's Hajj medical mission includes a hospital each in Makkah and Madinah, along with two dispensaries in Madinah and nine in Makkah, all fully functional. A Monitoring Cell has been established to address potential issues faced by private pilgrims and provide support to them. Various specialized units, including a Wheelchair Desk, have been set up to cater to the needs of different groups of pilgrims.
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt reduces private Hajj quota to 23,620 after operators miss Saudi deadline
Listen to article Only 23,620 Pakistani pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj under the private scheme in 2025, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Thursday, marking a significant reduction of over 66,000 from the initially allocated private quota. The development comes after Pakistan was allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,000 pilgrims by the Saudi government, based on population. Of this, 89,801 seats were reserved for private Hajj operators. However, due to non-compliance with Saudi booking regulations, the private sector failed to secure accommodations in Mina, a mandatory requirement for private Hajj operators, before the February 14 deadline set by Saudi authorities. Only around 12,500 bookings were successfully completed through the designated Saudi portal before it was shut down, officials said. Sources within the ministry noted that Saudi authorities declined to extend the deadline, despite appeals. The government had allowed private tour operators to begin transferring funds to Saudi Arabia from January 10, but many operators failed to meet the February 14 cutoff. On Thursday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that 23,620 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan's private scheme for 2025. The updated list of approved service providers has been made available on the Ministry of Religious Affairs' official website ( and the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile app. The ministry has urged all pilgrims who have booked through registered Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) to verify their application status and contracts using these online platforms. Additionally, the ministry directed registered companies to issue updated Hajj contracts and ensure visa processing is completed by April 18, 2025, in line with requirements set by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. For queries or complaints, the ministry's Monitoring Section and HGOs Section can be reached via: Monitoring: 051-9218571 | Email: somonitoring@ HGOs: 051-9207519 | Email: sohgomora@
