The Pakistani government has initiated a new Haj policy this year that would eliminate all the problems faced by the pilgrims in performing the Haj rituals, visiting Minister of State for Religious and Haj Affairs Shagufta Jumani, said here Thursday. Under the new policy, she said, Haj Group Organizers (HGO) shall cater to all of the requirements of the pilgrims. This year 164,647 Pakistani pilgrims will come to perform Haj, 80,000 under the government scheme and 84,647 through HGOs. The minister said evidence of any shortcomings on the part of HGOs will lead to immediate action against them. She said that on her last visit to the Kingdom, she met with Adnan Katib, head of the South East Asia Tawafa Establishment and “he promised to provide a sponge bed, blanket and pillow to every pilgrim.” She was also assured that all Pakistani pilgrims would be provided accommodation in Old Mina close to the Jamarat Bridge.Jumani added that under the government scheme, 70 percent of the required buildings which will provide accommodation to pilgrims have been engaged. Arrangements have also been made to provide pilgrims with shuttle service for at least four prayers daily in the Grand Mosque. Maghreb and Isha prayers shall have one service. On the request from Saudi authorities that pilgrims over the age of 65, pregnant women and children below 12 years of age not be allowed to perform Haj this year, Jumani said that Pakistan will attempt to comply with these requirements in view of the swine flu pandemic. She added that arrangements have been made to train pilgrims in special camps set up in Pakistan and that many scholars have volunteered to assist in the training programs. The minister made a point of emphasizing the appreciation of the Pakistani government for the services rendered to pilgrims by the Saudi authorities.
