On Sunday, the Pakistani government formally confirmed its participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage by signing the agreement. Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed represented Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister, Taufiq bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah, also gave their approval to the agreement.
Both sides expressed a commitment to ensuring the best facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, and this includes providing a specific and cost-effective area in Mina, an essential location during the Hajj pilgrimage. Aneeq Ahmed, who had recently visited Saudi Arabia with ministry officials, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in making the pilgrimage experience smoother for Pakistani nationals.
Pakistan had earlier conducted a ballot to select over 60,000 Muslims for the government’s Hajj scheme. The total allocation for Hajj seats is around 180,000, considering both government and private operators. This agreement solidifies the arrangement between the two countries for the upcoming pilgrimage.
