Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah (left) holds talks with Raffat Ismail Badr, Chairman of the South Asian Pilgrims Establishment, in Makkah, Sunday. — Courtesy photo Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah has lauded the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to improve facilities for the pilgrims. Shah was speaking after his meeting late Sunday with Raffat Ismail Badr, Chairman of the South Asian Pilgrims Establishment at its headquarters here. “Efforts being made by the Kingdom for the comfort of the Guests of Allah are commendable and being acknowledged by the entire Muslim Ummah,” the visiting minister said. Shah discussed arrangements for the coming Haj-2013 to ensure the stay of Pakistani Hajis is comfortable. Various preparations and arrangements undertaken by the Tawafa establishment for the upcoming Haj season were discussed in detail at the meeting, which included discussion on matters related to transportation, residence, private Haj tour operators, location of Makatib (Haj offices) and electronic system being introduced by Saudi government for Haj 2013. Badr thanked the minister for visiting the organization and assured that his establishment will sustain its tradition of taking care of the Pakistani Hajis. Mohammed Azam Samma, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs; Muhammad Naeem Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan; Aftab A. Khokher, Consul General at Jeddah; Joint Secretary Shahzad Ahmad; Director General Haj Syed Abu Ahmad Akif; Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, Director Pakistan Haj Mission; and Baharullah Hazarvi, Director in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and representatives of Haj Group Operators, were also present at the meeting.
