About 500,000 pilgrims come each year from the 15 countries of South East Asia. Eighty-seven offices (Makatib) regulate all Haj affairs, and each Maktab is allotted about 5,000 pilgrims said Chairman of South East Pilgrim – Guides Establishment, Syed Adnan Amin Katib. Preventing citizens and residents not holding proper permits issued by Passports Department from performing Haj has effectively reduced the number of local pilgrims who used to overcrowd the holy sites and create various problems for the authorities in terms of accommodation and transportation. In the past, there were more than 200,000 local pilgrims, including illegal overstayers, and because of the good results this year, it is expected that the number will further go down in future, said Katib. The “no-permit, no Haj” rule was strictly implemented this year and that has paid rich dividends this year. Katib said that Prince Khaled Bin Faisal, Emir of Makkah, has directed that from next year each pilgrim be provided with a pillow, a sponge bed, and a blanket. Katib asserted that he had provided very good accommodation and amenities to all of his pilgrims. We have accommodated the Indian and Pakistani pilgrims in separate areas. All the Pakistani pilgrims who have come through the Haj mission have been accommodated at Jawhara Street while Indian pilgrims have their accommodation at Souq-Al
