Arrangements are being made to invite applications from intending pilgrims for the forthcoming Hajj, from next month, according to Minister of Religious Affairs Vakil Ahmed Khan. "We have started to hold meetings with the Pakistan International Airlines or PIA and Saudi Arabian Airlines to give the arrangements a final shape and invite applications on the scheduled time from intending pilgrims," he said. The Secretary said the Pakistan government has so far acquired buildings with all necessary facilities to accommodate about 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during the next Hajj. As many as 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims are likely to perform Hajj this year. This year, he said, 50 percent pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme while the rest will go through private tour operators.
